Smoothies are good for the body, but not so good for your teeth
We know that it can be stressful to take your health into your own hands. With the number of recommendations and tips floating across the Internet and through social circles, how can you tell who’s nuts and who’s right? Fortunately, with oral health, there are ways to simplify your disease prevention.
Some of your common habits could be leading to dental damage. Sure, they’re healthy in one respect – but dangerous when it comes to your teeth. As with all things, we recommend approaching your daily drinks, foods, and activities with moderation. Going overboard on anything can lead to bigger problems.
With this blog post, we mention a few habits that you may have been thinking were totally good for you. While some of them may benefit your body, they cause problems for your smile. Be careful with your consumption and you’ll be able to enjoy these things without putting your teeth in immediate danger.
Understanding How Your Actions Build Healthy Teeth
While we do whatever we can to protect your teeth, we only see you in the office twice a year. The rest of the time, your oral health is up to you. Are you providing your teeth with what they really need?
Just as daily moments add up to an entire life, small choices build to affect your teeth. If you’re interested in making your smile last, and keeping cavities at bay, we’ve got a few tips on some habits you could tweak.
Daily Habits That Could Cause Tooth Decay and Damage
We’re not preaching that you give these things up entirely. There’s always a way to enjoy the things you love and keep your smile in shape. Read our guidelines after each tip to understand how to proceed without compromising your enamel.
- Marathon running – No, we’re not saying that running is unhealthy – just that a great deal of it is likely to cause decay. Marathon runners are at a particular risk because of the time they spend training. The products that runners consume as fuel (sports drinks, gels, bars, and carbohydrates) are sugary, and lower the mouth’s pH. Combined with the lowered production of saliva and mouth breathing that running triggers, this creates a dangerous oral environment. In order to protect your teeth while getting your exercise, make sure to brush after a run, and drink plenty of water throughout.
- Dried fruit – Dried fruit is proclaimed a healthy alternative to candy, but it can actually be just as bad. The sugar levels are comparable, and dried fruit has the added impact of sticking to the teeth, where it releases bacteria and triggers acid production. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, go for fresh fruit, instead. Non-citrus fruits aren’t too acidic and can actually scrub food particles from your teeth (like natural toothbrushes).
- Sports drinks – While these drinks provide your body with energy-boosting fuel, they wreak havoc on the mouth. They’re both sugary and acidic, meaning they lower the mouth’s pH and then help decay get started. As always, water is a recommended alternative.
- Smoothies – With the juicing trend in full swing, many people are seeing their teeth suffer as a result. Acidic juices in smoothies erode enamel, leaving the inner areas of your teeth less protected. If you drink smoothies, do so with a straw so that the liquid doesn’t wash over your teeth.
If you have any questions, give us a call. We’ll schedule your next exam and give you the answers you’re seeking.
