Our Dental Blog

To help protect the health and safety of your family, experts recommend going to the store only when necessary, and going one person at a time. When you do head to the store to stock up, we want to make sure you’re picking out snacks and foods that are good for your smile. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist explains what snack options can be beneficial for your oral health.

The Risks of Sugar and Starch

When we consume items high in sugar and starch, these particles tend to cling to the teeth or become trapped between them. Bacteria then feed on these trapped particles. As they consume them, this leads to higher levels of oral acidity and also begins to coat the teeth in sticky layers of plaque. Brushing and and flossing cannot remove plaque, and over time the layers harden into tartar. Unless treated, this buildup could weaken and erode the outer tooth enamel, or irritating and inflaming gum tissues, leading to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.

Healthy Alternatives

Try to drink more water while you’re at home, or tea, as these items contain no sugars or acids. Now, tea could stain the teeth, so keep that in mind! When you choose a snack, avoid items high in sugar or starch, such a candies, chocolates, or chips. Instead, try to pick up whole grain crackers, fresh fruits and veggies, hummus and cheeses, nuts, low-fat yogurts, or sugar-free gum. Making healthy choices for your snacks and meals provide essential vitamins and nutrients, strengthens your smile, and lowers the risks of cavities or periodontal health issues.

Treatment Options

What if you begin to experience aches in your teeth? Persistent pain could mean a cavity or possibly an infection has already developed. At this point, you should call our office and talk to us about possible treatment options. With a filling, we can treat cavities in a single visit. With a crown, we can address advanced cases of decay or even dental infections. We will follow strict safety and healthy guidelines to help protect the health of our patients and team members, such as scheduling appointments so that you’re the only one in our waiting room, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in between each patient visit. If you have any questions about protecting your smile and avoiding common oral health issues, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Oral Health?

We want to make sure you have the knowledge to continue to maintain optimal oral health until we can see you again. To learn more about protecting the health and beauty of your smile from home, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.