Dental News

Making These Updates to Your Shopping List Can Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthier

April 10, 2023

What are your primary worries when you visit the grocery store? If you’re like most Californians, you’re seeking inexpensive, wholesome food. Do you, however, consider how meals affect your teeth? At California Dental Group, we advise our patients to practice at-home oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, but we also want you to keep in mind that it’s equally crucial to pay attention to what you eat.

While we do not advocate that our clients abstain from occasional treats or snacks, we do advise them to be aware of what may be lurking in their refrigerator and pantry that may not be ideal for their teeth and gums. The most frequent offenders—many of which individuals are unaware even affect teeth—are listed below.

Skip the Chocolate Milk

It is true that milk is a crucial component of the diet, particularly for young children. Your teeth and jaw bones benefit greatly from the calcium it contains. Your likelihood of developing gum disease will be lower if you consume enough calcium than it would be otherwise. Yet, we must implore you to refrain from reducing milk’s beneficial properties by consuming it in chocolate or other sugar-rich flavors. Stick to normal milk, and be sure to rinse your teeth after.

Substitute juices

When you are thirsty, water is a fantastic option. It’s actually the best option. Use still water, sparkling water, or simply plain tap water from your faucet to change things up. Juice is a common household staple, and while it can taste wonderful, it isn’t very nutritious. Juices are acidic, and there is a ton of sugar in them, not to mention empty calories.

On the other hand, water is calorie- and sugar-free and performs a better job of keeping you hydrated. You’ll gain even more advantages if your water supply has fluoride, which helps maintain strong tooth enamel.

Omit ice cream

Yogurt is your best bet if you want something creamy and sweet. Even better, you just need a few items to make your own. We advise adding entire fruits to plain yogurt. Nonetheless, it will still be better for your teeth than ice cream even if you add honey or other added sweeteners. Consider frozen yogurt as an alternative if you really want that frozen delight.

Swap out chips

How enjoyable crunchy vegetables like cucumbers can be surprises a lot of people. As compared to chips, they can have the crunch you desire without the additional starch that can stick to teeth and cause cavities. In addition to fiber, vegetables are a fantastic source of vitamins that help to keep teeth strong.

These are merely a few suggestions to assist you in setting up a refrigerator and pantry that are good for your teeth and gums. Do you need to arrange a dental cleaning and examination? Do you have any questions? Call (800) 407-0161 to get in touch with California Dental Group right away!

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