Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Snacking between meals is a pleasure that few of us can resist. At work, at home, on a walk... Having an ice cream, a snack, a soft drink or a sweet between meals is a very common thing that, however, can put our oral health at risk. The risk of tooth decay increases exponentially in people who snack between meals.
That's why, in this new entry in Vélez and LozanoThe clinic of reference in the city of Murcia and its area of influence, whose team of professionals has treated more than 7,000 patients from all the municipalities of the Region since 2008, we would like to offer you a series of tips on eating habits that will have a positive influence on your teeth.
Better an apple than candy
If hunger, boredom or stress lead you to snack between meals, the best thing to do is to give your appetite free rein with a healthy snack. Replace sweets with an apple and swap the soft drink for tea, for example. This will not only take care of your figure, but also your teeth.
If, despite your best efforts, you can't resist and indulge in sweets, remember to brush your teeth after eating high-risk foods (chocolate, crisps, industrial pastries, biscuits, sugary drinks, etc.). Dentists recommend not brushing your teeth immediately after drinking beverages that can erode your dentin, such as carbonated soft drinks. In this case, it is best to wait an hour before brushing.
A diet low in sugars and rich in fresh foods such as raw vegetables, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, fruit pieces, cheese, natural yoghurt and wholemeal bread will also help to keep cavities at bay.
Children, the most vulnerable
The risk of tooth mineralisation increases as we peck more frequently. In this regard, it should be borne in mind that children are particularly vulnerable to sugar and even as infants can suffer from what is known as early childhood caries.
Therefore, child dentists recommend avoiding the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates in infants under two years of age.
Hygiene, the worst enemy of tooth decay
The essential factor for optimal oral health is to follow rigorous and constant hygiene habits, starting from childhood. Visiting our dentist regularly and not skipping check-ups will help us to detect any problems and combat the appearance of caries effectively.