Summer Snacks And Their Tooth-Friendly Alternatives

Excited for the indulgence of Summer? Treating yourself with delicious seasonal treats is standard procedure for most of us, however before you reach for that tempting ice cream or sugary drink, join us in discovering tooth-friendly alternatives that not only satisfy your taste buds, but also promote excellent oral health. From fresh fruit and calcium-rich yoghurt drinks to tasty-yet-nutritious snack replacements, Acorn Dental Health provide all the information you could need.

Swap Sweets For Fresh Fruit

We all at some point find ourselves reaching for refreshing snacks to beat the heat, however, many of these summer treats can be detrimental to our dental health. Dental practice professionals and orthodontists recommend that you make mindful choices when it comes to our summer snacks to avoid unnecessary dental issues. While sweets and candies may be tempting, they are packed with sugars that can wreak havoc on our teeth. Fruits are not only similarly sweet, but also contain essential vitamins and minerals that promote dental and overall health. The high water content in fruits also helps to hydrate our mouths and wash away food particles.

Yoghurt Drinks Instead Of Milkshakes

Milkshakes are a popular summer beverage, loved by both kids and adults alike. However, they often contain high amounts of added sugars and can be harmful to our teeth if consumed frequently. The good news is that there's a delicious and tooth-friendly alternative. Yoghurt drinks, especially those without added sugars, offer a creamy and refreshing taste while providing beneficial probiotics for gut health. Probiotics can also help in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in our mouths, contributing to better oral health. If you're feeling creative, you can blend yoghurt with fresh fruits to create a tooth-friendly smoothie.

Replace Fatty Sandwich Fillings With Cheese And Veggies

Summer picnics and outdoor gatherings often include sandwiches as a convenient and tasty meal option. However, many traditional sandwich fillings like processed meats and mayonnaise can be high in unhealthy fats and sugars. These can not only impact our overall health but also lead to dental problems. A dental-friendly alternative to fatty sandwich fillings is using cheese and vegetables as substitutes. Cheese is an excellent choice because it contains calcium and phosphate. For a satisfying crunch and added nutrients, load your sandwiches with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and other tooth-friendly veggies.

Choose Rice Cakes Over Potato Chips

Crunchy snacks like potato chips are a popular indulgence during summer outings. However, they are starchy and tend to get trapped between our teeth, promoting bacterial growth and plaque formation.

Rice cakes are a great alternative because they are less likely to stick to our teeth, reducing the risk of plaque build-up. Look for whole-grain rice cakes for added fibre and nutrients. For extra flavour, top them with spreads such as hummus or avocado instead of sugary dips or sauces.

Ensuring that you keep your dental hygiene up to scratch is vital for your overall oral health. Here at Acorn Dental Health, our expert dental hygienists will provide you with a personalised dental hygiene treatment plan that is designed for you to maintain good oral health. Contact us at your earliest convenience for fantastic advice and catered tips.