Sweet tooth anyone? Since sugar is so addictive we tent to eat too much of it and it can lead to problems with our teeth. Certain types of sugar can cause permanent damage to our teeth and that is easily avoidable by making smart choices. Sugar from food turns into acid in our mouth and that causes weakening of the enamel – the outer layer of our tooth. Consuming sugary food too much and too often may lead to a tooth decay.
Before you have your snack, ask yourself what is in the food. If it has a large amount of sugar, choose something different. If you must eat something sweet, do it after dinner instead of all day. Then, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste afterward.
Low-fat choices are your best option. Consider foods such as fresh fruits – perfect this summer, whole-grain crackers or raw vegetables. Choose something from one of the basic food groups for your best option.
Low-fat choices like raw vegetables, fresh fruits, or whole-grain crackers or bread are smart choices.
Here are some more options for you:
Berries
Grapefruit
Melons
Broccoli
Celery
Carrots
Cucumbers
Whole-Grain bread
Unsweetened cereals
Tortilla chips (baked, not fried)
Pretzels (low-salt)
Pasta
Low or non-fat yogurt
Low or non-fat cheese
Chicken
Turkey
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Nuts
Remember to do the following:
Eat less sugary foods
Avoid sticky foods such us toffees, raisins and other dried fruits
Eat a variety of low-fat foods found in the basic food groups
Don’t eat sweets between meals
Brush with fluoride toothpaste after sugary snacks