Healthy food choices for when you can’t brush your teeth

Sometimes you might be in a situation where you can’t brush your teeth. Perhaps you’ve gone on holiday and forgotten your toothbrush at home, or maybe you’ve had a busy morning and didn’t find time to give your teeth a quick clean. Whatever the situation, you can help the situation by choosing the right foods to eat. In this post, we’ll provide some healthy meal ideas that will keep your teeth safe and healthy, even when you can’t brush them.

Protein

Proteins are very low in sugar, making them a great choice when you don’t have a toothbrush handy. Furthermore, they’re also extremely low in carbohydrates, which are the molecules that break down in to sugar. And another good thing about proteins is that they fill you up, so you won’t be reaching for a snack later. So enjoy guilt-free meals like a chicken salad, a tuna sandwich, or a steak with a side of vegetables. Or if you’re vegetarian, how about an egg salad or a tofu burger?

Nuts and seeds

If you’re hungry for a snack, then you can’t go wrong with nuts and seeds. That’s because, like proteins, they’re very low in sugar.

And the benefits don’t stop there. Nuts also have high levels of calcium, which is a mineral that your teeth need to stay strong and healthy. Plus they’re high in calories, which admittedly is bad if you’re trying to lose weight, but good if you’re trying to fill yourself up so you don’t crave sugary snacks later.

Whole-grain foods

Whole-grain foods, like whole-grain bread and pasta, are another good choice for when you can’t brush your teeth. That’s partly because they don’t contain added sugar, and it’s partly because their carbohydrates are more difficult for the bacteria in your mouth to digest.

So, as a lunch option, you could have a sandwich with whole-grain bread or a plate of whole-grain pasta with cheese. Or if it’s breakfast you’re after, how about a bowl of porridge made from whole-grain oats (unsweetened, of course)?

Vegetables

Your parents always told you to eat your vegetables. Your parents were right (perhaps for once) because vegetables aren’t just low on sugar; they also contain vitamins and minerals that help your body to combat tooth decay. So, if you forgot to brush your teeth this morning and you’re craving for a snack, feel free to gorge on carrot sticks with hummus, salad, or indeed any other vegetables you can get your hands on.

Things to avoid

Finally, if you know you won’t be able to brush your teeth for a while, then please avoid sugary foods, such as sweets, pop, cakes and cookies. Sugar encourages bacteria to grow on your teeth, which creates acid and erodes your tooth enamel. So, save sugary treats for later, when you have a toothbrush handy. Your teeth will thank you!