Many of our patients often ask us if we have any smile-friendly snack suggestions. While many snacks can be tough on your teeth, others actually make your teeth stronger and healthier. As your trusted dentist in Birmingham, AL, we want to provide you with some snack suggestions that will benefit your dental health. Here are our three best healthy snacks for wider and brighter smiles.
Cheese
Cheese is great for your dental health. You can buy sticks of cheese, cubed cheese, string cheese, sliced cheese, or any other type of cheese available at the store. Cheese contains high amounts of proteins and calcium, which strengthens your teeth. Cheese also helps combat any acidic residues left behind on your teeth. Additionally, cheese is easier to chew than crunchier snacks like potato chips or candies. If you experience jaw pain or a TMJ disorder, cheese is a softer snack that won’t put as much strain on your mouth muscles.
Nuts
Everyone craves a crunchy snack every once in a while. Another good alternative to potato chips and candies is nuts. Peanuts, almonds, and cashews all contain different kinds of vitamins and minerals which help keep your teeth strong. Additionally, nuts stimulate saliva production, which is what keeps your mouth moist, fights germs in your mouth, and prevents bad breath. Try replacing the bowl of candy by your desk with a bowl of nuts instead. They are a snack that you can munch on throughout the day without all the excess starches and sugars.
Apple Slices
If you have a sweet tooth, consider biting into an apple. Apple slices contain a wide variety of natural sugars and acids, which unlike other sweet snacks, also contain high amounts of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to your body and helps you fight against infections. Additionally, Vitamin C helps reduce your risk of gum disease, which is a common dental concern we see in our office. Follow up your apple slices with a big glass of water to wash away any residue left on your teeth and this snack becomes healthy smile-approved.
Schedule An Appointment
Committed to the oral and overall health and well being of our patients, our dental team provides comprehensive care for all of your dental health needs under one roof. We take the time to get to know you as an individual, helping you to maintain your dental health, address your unique risks for disease and achieve the smile you desire through cosmetic or restorative treatments. If you are ready to schedule your next dental appointment, please do so here. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy your smile-approved snacks. We look forward to seeing you soon!