When you’re feeling hungry between meals, reach for a healthy snack instead of a snack that will give you cavities. In this post, we’ll list some of the sinless snacks that will appease your appetite without harming your teeth.

Smile and say cheese

Cheese is a great snack for your teeth. Like all dairy foods, cheese is high in calcium, an essential mineral for your bones and teeth. Cheese is also high in phosphorous, which helps your teeth to absorb calcium.

Furthermore, a study in 2013 found that cheese helps reduces acidity in the mouth. It’s thought that the act of chewing cheese increases saliva in the mouth, which in turn neutralises acids in the mouth.

Explore new cultures

Like cheese, yogurt is high in calcium, which helps keep your teeth healthy and strong. What’s more, yogurt contains good bacteria that helps to crowd out the bad bacteria in your mouth. It’s best to stick to sugar-free yogurt though because ordinary yogurt can be surprisingly high in sugar.

What’s up, doc?

It’s no wonder Bugs Bunny has perfect teeth: he eats so many carrots. Carrots are packed with fibre, and this fibrous texture acts like a natural toothpick and helps to dislodge food stuck between your teeth. The action of chewing carrots also produces saliva, which neutralises acids, kills bacteria and washes away any leftover food. And of course, carrots are low in sugar:100 g of baby carrots contains only around 5 g of sugar. Raw Carrots make a delicious snack on their own, but if you find them boring then why not try eating them with hummus?

Celery-brate good times

Celery is another great vegetable snack for your teeth. Like carrots, the fibre in celery acts like a toothpick and a toothbrush, dislodging food from your teeth and scraping away bacteria. Celery is also high in vitamin A and vitamin C, which are vitamins your body needs for healthy gums.

Go nuts

Almonds, peanuts, brazil nuts, pecans, and cashews: they’re all good for your teeth. Nuts are full of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, folic acid and vitamin D, all of which are beneficial to your teeth and gums. And of course, nuts are naturally low in sugar. Enjoy a handful of nuts as a snack or try adding them to stir-fries.

Open sesame

Seeds are another good snack for your teeth. They’re are high in calcium and low in sugar. Just be sure to have floss handy in case one gets stuck between your teeth.

An apple a day

If all else fails, then reach for an apple. Apples are crunchy, so the act of eating them produces a lot of saliva. They’re also high in antioxidants, which help protect your gums and teeth from bacteria and cell damage.

The bottom line

It’s great to eat healthily, but you should still brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, no matter what you eat.

The post Seven snacks that are good for your teeth appeared first on Benson Dental Practice.

1. Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening brings a dazzle to your smile. The effect of this treatment can last up to a few months and is more effective on yellowed teeth.

However, be wary of toothpastes that claim to whiten your teeth. These toothpastes rarely contain any bleaching agent, and instead use abrasive agents such as silica. These abrasives are designed only to remove surface stains, and over time they thin the enamel layer and will make the dark dentin layer underneath the enamel more noticeable.

2. Braces

If you’re cursed with crooked teeth then braces can do wonders for your smile. You will typically need to wear the braces for a period of six months to two years. Afterwards your teeth will be permanently straight and you’ll be able to smile with more confidence.

3. Dental crowns

Crowns are a solution for teeth that are badly discoloured or misshapen. Crowns are caps that fit onto your teeth and are then bound using dental cement. Crowns improve not just appearance of teeth, but can also strengthen weak teeth as well. However, the preparation work for a crown can involve removing parts of teeth that are still healthy. Since crowns are not as strong as healthy teeth, they should therefore only be applied when the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

4. Porcelain veneers

A veneer is a like a crown but just for the front of your teeth. They look natural and can help to improve the appearance of your smile. However, like dental crowns, veneers require the removal of healthy teeth material in order to accommodate them.

5. Dental bonding

Dental bonding is less intrusive than dental crowns and veneers because no removal of healthy tooth enamel is required. Dental bonding involves the application of resin material to the tooth using adhesives. The material is tooth-coloured and helps to hide flaws on the front of your teeth.

6. Dental implants

Implants are the solution to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium and other materials. If you have a tooth or several teeth missing, then implants are the long-term solution to improve your smile.

7. Regular dentist check-ups

Regular visits to the dentist help to maintain your teeth and smile smile. Your dentist can check for gum disease and can also give your teeth a deep clean. This will also help prevent problems later down the road.

8. Brushing and flossing

Although this isn’t a dental procedure, we’re including brushing and flossing here anyway because they are both so important. Brushing and flossing help to reduce plaque and keep your teeth healthy. This is one of the most fundamental things you can do for your smile.

We offer a range of treatments to improve your smile. Contact us today to find out more.

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