February is National Snack Month, and many people are enjoying their favorite snack foods with gusto. However, many avid snackers don’t consider the impact their habits could be having on their dental health.

The high sugar content present in most modern-day snacks can make this month a tough one for your teeth, but it doesn’t have to! With the right snack choices and good snacking habits, you can enjoy the month without harming your healthy smile!

How Snacking Affects Your Teeth

The importance of frequent brushing is common knowledge, but it still can’t be stressed enough. Neglecting your dental routine leads to plaque buildup, which if left unchecked, will quickly cause your teeth to decay. Naturally, a month of near-constant snacking is going to cause some issues. That’s why Brush Dental recommends to snack wisely with a good brush routine to follow and keeping up with your bi annual dental visits for optimal dental health.

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite snacks, you should always be aware of your oral hygiene. Practicing good snacking habits is key here, allowing you to snack to your heart’s content without sacrificing your smile.

Good Snacking Habits

• Choose your snacks wisely. As mentioned earlier, most snacks nowadays are extremely high in sugar, and as such can be damaging to your teeth. Try to maintain a balanced snacking diet, just as with your meals. Sure, you can have some sweets here and there, but try to focus on healthier options.
• Drink water after snacking. Foods that are sticky or have some sort of husk can remain lodged in your teeth long after you’ve finished eating. To wash out the gunk and debris, make sure to drink water throughout the day, especially after eating.
• Maintain your brushing routine. This may be common sense, but it’s no less important. Brush at least twice a day and floss once to keep plaque from accumulating on your teeth. Ideally, you should brush once in the morning and once in the evening.

Snacks That Won’t Hurt Teeth

• Low-fat or fat-free milk.
• Calcium-rich nuts such as cashews or almonds.
• Greek yogurt.
• Green vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach.
• Whole-grain breads or cereals.

Of course, the best asset to your oral health is a skilled local dentist, and Brush Dental in Seattle here to help. If you’re lagging behind on your bi-annual checkups and cleanings, feel free to schedule an appointment with us today so you can enjoy National Snack Month to the fullest!