Are so called "healthy" snacks all good for teeth?

The BBC recently ran a story revealing that many “healthy” snacks and drinks are not as good for your family as you would imagine.

Do some healthy snacks have even more sugar than sweets?

According to campaign group, Action on Sugar, out of the 94 so called "healthy" products they looked at almost nine out of ten were more sugary than jelly sweets like Haribo. The recent press coverage also highlight the amount of uneccessary sugar in family-orientated foods such as breakfast cereals.

What sort of treats and fruit juices are bad for your dental health?

Some of the biggest offenders were treats like fruit juices, coated raisins and other dried fruit products. It’s not just the high calories that are the problem either, processed dried fruits coat your teeth and, because most of the water has been removed, the sugar and acids are much less diluted Always read the labels, many juices and juice drinks contain added sugar for instance.

You should also be aware of some of the harmful affects of drinks such as orange and other fruit juices. Whist many have great vitamins and minerals, they also have natural sugars and can be highly acidic. As you will see below crisps can also be bad for your teeth.

How does sugar and starch cause decay?

As we all know sugar can cause tooth decay so the more we can do to reduce the amount we consume and minimise the impact, the better. Bacteria literally feeds on sugar and generates acids that are harmful to teeth and break down the protective enamel. 

Bacteria also feeds on starches so snacks such as crisps aren't just high in fat but can also have detrimental effects on your family's dental health. 

What can I do to help avoid tooth decay in the family?

Try and get the family to avoid snacking between mealtimes so food and drink (apart from water) is consumed at the same time. 

Try eating fresh fruit and vegetables instead of processed snacks – they retain far higher levels of vitamins, minerals, water and fibre - a child would have to eat an entire pack of fresh strawberries to take in the same amount of sugar as in some processed fruit snacks! We would always recommend drinking water immediately after eating as this can help neutralize acids and help wash them away along with some of the sugar. Drink plenty of water throughout the day too especially between mealtimes.

Does a good dental health regime help?

Finally, follow a regular dental hygiene regime brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. At Kilbarchan Dental Practice our dentists recommend using a good electric toothbrush as these are far more effective than manual ones when used properly. Remember to leave it at least an hour after food and drink before brushing teeth as food and drink softens the enamel in the very short term so it is better wait until this has hardened. Read our articles on how to brush your teeth and how to look after your teeth for more help and advice on this important task including toothpastes, flossing and techniques.

How can I find out more about dental health and looking after my family's teeth?

We have run a number of articles on what food and drinks are good for your family's teeth as well as those that are bad for teeth. Have a read of these and we'll sure you'll get some useful tips (such as popcorn acting a bit like a toothbrush on your family's teeth!).

In addition our childsmile qualified staff are always on hand to help and advise on your children's or child's oral health.

If you have any queries regarding oral health don't hesitate to visit us at the practice, call us on 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental.co.ukwhere you will find lost more tips and advice.