SUMMER SNACKS ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH? SUMMER SNACKS ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH? | Gan Advanced Osseointegation Center

SUMMER SNACKS ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH?

SUMMER SNACKS ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH?

 

 

These snacks might be doing you more harm than good, especially if you are not being careful about keeping up with proper care. Here are some of the snacks that you can identify and their alternatives.these snacks might be doing you more harm than good, especially if you are not being careful about keeping up with proper care. Here are some of the snacks that you can identify and their alternatives.

 

1. ICE CREAM/ POPSICLES

Ice cream is one of the staple snacks during summer. It gives us an instant cooling effect. But did you know when you eat ice cream/popsicles your teeth is in constant contact with sugar. As we all know sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. According to American Heart Assocication (AHA), the recommended sugar consumption is no more than 9.5 tsp, so adding ice cream to your daily consumption as a treat might increase sugar intake that might lead to harmful levels.

As an alternative try to buy sugar free ice cream and avoid putting some toppings to your ice cream. But if you’re still craving for more, plain yogurt might do the trick, it contains less sugar and it is probiotic (good bacteria), these active culture may help to slow down the growth of cavity causing bacteria.

 

 

2. SODA/ SPORTS DRINK

 

During summer many of us are engaged to sports/outdoor activities and ice cold soda/sports drink is one of  the “go to” thirst quenchers. When we drink soda, the sugar turns to acid when it interacts with the bacteria in our mouth. This acid eats away the tooth enamel.  Each sip of soda, the damaging reaction lasts for 20 minutes. So if you drink soda the whole day, your teeth is under constant attack.  The two main dental effects of drinking soda are erosion and cavities/

Instead of drinking soda/sports drink, it’s better to drink water when you feel thirsty. But if you can’t help drinking sodas, try to limit it only during meal times and follow it up with water to reduce the acidity in the mouth.

 

 

3. ICE SHAVINGS/ SNOW CONE

Ice shavings is also known as “halo-halo” , one of the popular Filipino desserts during summer season.  It consists of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which various ingredients are added such as sweet beans, coconut, sago, gulaman, and other seasonal fruits. And it is usually served in tall glass. This dessert is loaded with sugar, this sugar eats the outer layer of the enamel which encouraged bacterial growth that can lead to cavities.  In addition to this, it is very cold and potentially hard, chewing on these treats might chipped teeth or can lead to cold sensitivity.

Try to have some bowl of fresh fruits as a snack, it has less sugar and it will also help you to cool down during a hot summer day.

 

 

4. CITRUS FRUIT JUICES

A cold citrus fruit juice gives you pleasure as it provides you an instant cooling effect to fight off the summer heat. Frequent exposure to acidic drinks (lemon, oranges, and grapefruits) can cause tooth enamel to wear away. And when the tooth enamel weakens, demineralization will occur leaving your dentin exposed and prone to sensitivity.  It will also make your teeth more susceptible to decay overtime.

If you cannot avoid drinking citrus fruit juices, make sure to drink plenty of plain water to neutralize the acidity.

 

Why not drink some tea instead? http://www.gaocdental.com/news/2017/03/apple-day-keeps-doctor-away-what-...

Have your teeth checked with one of our specialists to see if you have any cavities :)  http://www.gaocdental.com/contact-us

Images from : www.stocksnap.io

 

Article by : Dr. Maricris Perez
                  Prosthodontist, Orthodontist
                  Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center

 

 

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