Snacks and Cavities

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, especially for children, young adults and seniors, and is the most common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Tooth decay happens when the bacteria that are normally present in your mouth converts the food you eat into acid. The bacteria and acids combine with leftover food and saliva and form a sticky substance called plaque, which adheres to your teeth. Plaque begins to accumulate on your teeth in as little as 20 minutes after you've eaten. If it's not removed, the acid in the plaque will dissolve your tooth enamel and create a hole, called a cavity, which if left untreated, will grow and damage the tooth.

Snacking habits can play an important role in whether or not you or your child are prone to cavities and tooth loss. However, all snacks are not necessarily bad. The two main factors that make a food a bad snack is the amount of sugar in the food and the length of time the food stays in your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth feed especially sugars and starches, and acid will begin to form from even a healthy food if it stays in your mouth a long time.

In general, a healthy snack is low in sugar and has high nutritional value. Examples of healthy snacks include vegetables, fruits, fruit juice, cheese, yogurt, milk, nuts, seeds or whole-wheat bread or cereals. Unhealthy snacks, such as ice cream, cake, cookies, chocolate, chocolate milk, candy or soft drinks, have little nutritional value and are high in sugar content. There are also some foods that are nutritional, but bad for your teeth, because they stick to your teeth. Examples are raisins, dried fruit, granola bars and chocolate milk. These foods are better eaten as part of a meal, when other foods and liquids may clean them off your teeth.

A balance of good carbohydrates and protein from snacks will give you or your child strength and energy to get through the day and help balance blood sugar levels between meals. If you haven't eaten for about four hours, your body will be physically hungry, so an energizing snack will make you feel better and perhaps keep you from overeating at your next meal.

Even "bad" snacks can be eaten occasionally. If you or your child just has to have that piece of cake or a pack of gummy bears, then only do so when you can brush your teeth right afterwards. If you snack or not, remember that excellent oral hygiene, brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily are necessary to prevent cavities. You should also see your dentist twice a year for check-ups and professional cleanings that remove the plaque and tartar you miss.

For your dental health and your overall health, it's best to limit snacks to healthy, nutritional foods and to only snack when your body needs the fuel, not because a snack is available.