{"id":59,"date":"2021-04-14T18:28:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T18:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.queencreekcompletedental.com\/blog\/?p=59"},"modified":"2021-05-11T19:01:08","modified_gmt":"2021-05-11T19:01:08","slug":"snacking-diet-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.queencreekcompletedental.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/14\/snacking-diet-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Snacking: Good for Your Appetite, Bad for Your Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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It\u2019s the afternoon, and you\u2019ve already done so much. It\u2019s time for a reward: your favorite snack! Plus, you need something to get you from lunch to dinner without starving. You reach for a cupcake, potato chips, candy, or whatever treat you have on hand to take a break from the action and get some satisfaction. But did you know that your daily snacking can hurt your oral health? Whether you have a sweet tooth, you like to graze, or you eat when you\u2019re bored, snacking can put your smile at risk. Read on to learn how as well as what you can do instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Snacks Are Rarely Healthy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret that the average pantry is full of chips, crackers, candies, and other sweets. You may know these are bad for your body, but these sugary foods also have a negative impact on your teeth. When sugars interact with the bacteria in your mouth, acids are created that eat away at enamel and gums. This increases your risk of common issues like cavities and gum disease, which is one of the reasons why a bad snacking habit can put your smile in danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequency Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not only about what you eat, but also when you eat. When you consume balanced meals three times a day, you\u2019re giving your smile a chance to recover in between. What this means is that your mouth produces saliva to wash away plaque, bacteria, and food debris. However, if you\u2019re constantly snacking, you aren\u2019t letting your mouth clean itself. Instead, you\u2019re allowing food debris and harmful plaque to build up, which can eventually cause decay and infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Protecting Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, these risks can be completely avoided if you know the right steps to take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n