How Your Grocery List Affects Oral Health
As a parent, there is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders to raise kids who are healthy, happy, and productive to society. You want to do the best you can for your family, but it takes a lot of hard work. Of course, you will drop the ball sometimes, but there is a lot of room to make mistakes and improve.
Going to the grocery is one of those things that might not seem like a big deal, but it can have a huge impact on the health of your family, especially the oral health. Sure, you try to choose relatively healthy foods and drinks, but have you ever thought about the impact of your food choices on your family’s teeth?
That’s what we want to talk about today! Your weekly (or however often you go) trip to the grocery can actually prevent cavities and improve oral health for your family simply based on the things you put in your cart (and the things you choose to leave on the shelf). Let’s take a look!
The Secrets of the Snack Aisle
The snack aisle is a place where all kids love to go! They love to pick out chips, crackers, and pretzels to snack on after school. Most of these snacks seem harmless enough, but there is a secret to them.
Snacks that are made from starches and carbs create a thick paste in your mouth when you chew. This paste goes into every nook and cranny of your smile, where it stays and becomes a potential for tooth decay.
Learn to Love Fruits and Veggies
The best way to snack is with fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables. If you’re not used to eating this way for snack time, try to make the change over time. Pick fruits and vegetables you know you enjoy, and slowly work your way into a produce habit!
Not only are these snacks great for your body with their vitamins and nutrients, but the crunchy texture will actually scrub your teeth as your chew!
The Trouble with Grain as a Filler
Many of us have a habit of throwing a grain or starch into every meal as a way to fill up our bellies. The problem is that grains and starches aren’t all that great for us! They definitely don’t help our waistlines, and they aren’t good for your teeth.
The sugar in these types of food (think pasta, bread, potatoes) breaks down as you chew and creates a film on your teeth that leads to more tooth decay.
Prioritize Protein
Splurge on good, lean proteins when you are at the store. A good protein will fill you up and help you remineralize your teeth. Plus, lean protein is much better for your body than pastas and bread!
It takes time to get used to eating this way, but your teeth (and waistline) will thank you!
Dropping the Sugary Drink Habit
Just about every person in the USA has an addiction to sweet beverages! Whether you enjoy soda throughout the day or can’t live without your sweet tea, you are building a bad habit that is atrocious for your teeth.
The sugar in these beverages is literally killing our teeth, yet we continue to drink them by the gallon!
Invest in Water
Help your family break the habit by investing in tools to help them drink more water at home. Get everyone in your home a reliable, sturdy, reusable water bottle that can be thrown in the backpack or briefcase.
You might also want to invest in a great home filter system so that you can enjoy the benefits of fluoride in your water without any of the junky stuff that might be coming through your tap.
Set Up an Appointment Today!
Learn more about how your simple decisions at home can lead your family to oral health or oral disaster! Contact our office to set up an appointment for your entire crew to come see us! We can’t wait to hear how your grocery trips are improving, so call today!
