The Real Effects of Sugary Snacks

If you are wondering “what are the causes of sugary snacks in your teeth?”, there are many answers to this. Sugary foods can be the catalyst for dental decay and gingivitis, so they should be avoided as often as possible. While it isn’t always practical to avoid sugary foods and beverages all the time, severely limiting your consumption of these products can do wonders for the health and overall wellness of your teeth. This is especially true for patients who wear orthodontic appliances and are looking to achieve a bright, straight and nearly flawless smile.

Can I Eat Sugary Snacks While Wearing Braces?

For those wondering, “Can I eat sugary snacks while wearing braces?” the answer to this is that you need to limit the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume. While it’s a great idea to try to get rid of all sugary foods and drinks altogether, this isn’t always easy or practical. For this reason, it’s important to limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume. Sugar in the mouth is food for bacteria, which can cause issues with dental decay and gingivitis.

How Do Candies Affect Your Teeth?

Knowing how do candies affect your teeth involves the sugar breaking down and becoming food for the bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria eat this sugar and then create excretions that result in enamel erosion. Couple this with the fact that many sugars break down natural enamel and you’re left with cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease that can affect the overall health and wellness of your smile. If you wear braces, this can also affect your teeth by having restoration treatment while wearing appliances or shortly after having them removed. This can affect the way that your smile looks. This is why it is important to limit your intake of sugary snacks while wearing braces. Now that you know what are the causes of sugary snacks in your teeth, you can limit the amount that you consume regularly. Sugary snacks can also be detrimental to your overall health, so getting rid of them entirely or only enjoying them on occasion is better than having them all the time simply because you like the taste.

Tips for Limiting Sugary Snacks

The best way to limit sugary snacks and drinks is to switch to things that contain less sugar. For example, if you love to drink soda pop, consider switching to water or a diet version. You should also take a look at the different types of foods that you consume regularly and make healthy choices for different alternatives. Candy and pastries can be swapped out for fruit and nuts. You will be amazed at how different your teeth will look and feel when making healthier choices. Switching out candy for healthier choices can also benefit the rest of your body, especially if you tend to live off of sugary foods and drinks.

Foods to Avoid for Healthier Teeth

Many different foods are very bad for your teeth and should be taken out of your diet altogether or limited severely. Some of these foods include:

• Candy
• Pastries and cakes
• Soda and other sugary beverages
• Ice cream
• Chocolate or strawberry milk
• Chocolate

When you actively work to remove these foods and drinks from your diet, you are going to find that your teeth benefits a lot from the result. You will have fewer cavities and need fewer fillings because of the work you’ve done to change your diet. If you are prone to dental decay, it is likely due to the types of foods that you consume regularly. If you wear braces, it is incredibly important to save your smile and limit the amount of sugary products that you consume each day.

Can I chew gum while wearing braces – Mcdermott Orthodontics

Important Dental Hygiene Tips

Whether you eat a lot of sugar or are trying to limit your intake, it is important that you take good care of your teeth by brushing them twice a day and flossing regularly. Brushing should be done both morning and night, but it may need to be done more often if you do enjoy sugary snacks. The more you brush your teeth, the higher the chance of getting healthier and stronger pearly whites. This can help to prevent dental decay in the first place so that you won’t need several fillings on your next checkup. If you have orthodontic appliances, like braces, it is crucial that you use special brushes to get underneath and between the wires. If you’re wearing Invisalign, you need to remove the trays before you can fully and properly brush your teeth.

Flossing is important for keeping your teeth clean, since the floss gets between your teeth where sugars, plaque and bacteria like to hide. It is also beneficial since the toothbrush can’t get near those areas. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for you to floss your teeth if you have braces. This is why it is often recommended to use a water flossing machine. This machine shoots high pressure water between the teeth to dislodge bacteria and food particles for a healthier and brighter smile. It is also a good idea for you to use a mouthwash that helps to wash away the bacteria that is in your mouth. This can also help to prevent cavities from forming. Getting into a solid dental care routine is all about making it a habit. When you start to take care of your teeth regularly, you’ll find that you get in the groove of brushing and flossing each day.

Visiting Your Orthodontist

To keep up with your dental health and your future smile, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your local orthodontic office. Here, you will be fitted for braces and other appliances that meet your dental needs perfectly. You will also be receiving advices on how to eat healthy. By maintaining a healthy smile and reducing the amount of sugary snacks and drinks that you consume, you’ll have a gorgeous smile that will last for a lifetime.

MCDERMOTT ORTHODONTICS
13046 Falcon Drive
Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: 218-829-1630

The Real Effects of Sugary Snacks

Mike McDermott

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.

Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.