As the COVID-19 crisis persists, many of our patients have found themselves stuck at home. As your trusted dentist in Poquoson, VA, we want to provide you with some suggestions on how you can continue taking care of your smile with a healthy diet. Here are some snacks that are great to keep around your home for your dental health:
Cheese
Cheese is a great snack for your teeth. It is full of calcium, which your teeth need to maintain their strength. It also helps your jawbone hold your teeth firmly in place. For our patients with TMJ disorders, this is a particularly great snack because it is a softer alternative to crunchier snacks like potato chips. Crunchy snacks can be tough on your teeth and overwork your jawbone with repetitive chewing. Opting for softer snacks will help reduce the added pressure on your jawbone, helping you avoid discomfort. For your ultimate snacking convenience, we recommend keeping cubed cheese or string cheese around so that you can grab it and go.
Fruit Smoothies
Fruit smoothies are a delicious snack for the whole family, plus they are good for your dental health. You can include all of your favorite fruits in your smoothies, but we have a couple that we recommend. Bananas are a great inclusion to a smoothie because they are high in potassium, which helps balance the acidity of your blood and ensures that your bones and teeth are getting the necessary amounts of calcium. Kiwis and strawberries are also great inclusions because they are high in vitamin C in addition to calcium. Add in some plain or Greek yogurt in your smoothie to enhance the amount of calcium in your smoothie and also to increase its creamy texture.
Assorted Nuts
When you crave a crunchy snack, try reaching for a bowl of nuts. Almonds, cashews, and walnuts all contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that help keep you healthy. Additionally, nuts help in saliva production which is absolutely essential to your dental health. Saliva production helps ensure that your mouth maintains the necessary amount of moisture while also washing away residue left behind on your teeth surfaces after meals. However, remember that if you are experiencing jaw pain, you should avoid crunchy snacks like this one as they are typically very chewy.
Schedule An Appointment
Dr. William Harper is a comprehensive dentist in Poquoson, Virginia. Our team is a big part of what sets us apart from other dentists in the Hampton Roads area. Not only are we one of the most highly trained dental teams in the region, but we are dedicated to giving patients a pleasant experience. Please contact us directly for information on scheduling your next dental appointment.