[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids don’t usually have a lot of time to eat a leisurely breakfast before school, so they might just opt to grab a chocolate donut or a sugary breakfast bar on the way out the door. Of course, any parent would know that this is a horrible habit. Kids shouldn’t start their day by eating junk food; they need to eat something healthier, like a banana. Bananas are high in potassium, and they provide plenty of energy for anybody on the go. A responsible parent should have plenty of them for their children to snack on instead of candy and chips. That’s what keeps kids healthy, right?

Well, yes and no. While it’s important to eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods, we also need to take our oral health into consideration. Eating the wrong kinds of snacks can ruin your teeth, but people don’t realize that this doesn’t just go for sugary foods. Too much sugar is definitely bad for your teeth, but so are bananas and certain other “healthy” foods.

How Do Soft Foods Affect Your Teeth?

The reason why you get cavities is because of the bacteria that are naturally found in your mouth. This bacteria feeds on dietary sugars and releases enzymes that erode tooth enamel. This naturally happens when you eat too many sugary foods, but it also happens when you eat anything with a soft and sticky texture. Softer and stickier foods maintain contact with your teeth longer than any other foods, and that gives the bacteria a chance to feed on sugars and erode the enamel on your teeth. This is why bananas could very well be worse for your teeth than a piece of cake.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid all foods with a soft and sticky texture. We said that bananas make a good snack, as do many other kinds of softer fruits that can stick to your teeth. What this means is that you need to be more aware of you and your family’s oral health. There’s nothing wrong with having a health snack when you’re feeling hungry, but only if you brush your teeth at least twice a day and preferably after you’ve had something to eat or drink.

Snacking with Your Teeth in Mind

If you’re really worried about the dental health of you and your family, try stocking your house with nuts, cheese and fruits and vegetables with high water content. Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots are also great for your teeth since they stimulate saliva production, something that is important for keeping sugar away from your teeth. Finally, try to avoid too much sugary or processed foods. Kids may love them, but eating too many is bad for their teeth and their overall health.

While we at the Smile Spa enjoy a good snack, it’s important to consider, even the most seemingly innocent, eating habits. What is good for your body, may not be the best for your teeth. However taking the proper measures by drinking and brushing and flossing after eating softer snacks, as well as regular dental visits, they can be good for both. For more information, contact our team at The Smile Spa.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]