Tooth Friendly Party Platters

Tooth Friendly Party Platters

tooth friendly foodParties are full of fun, good times, and great food and drinks. Choosing food that is easy on your teeth can be done simpler than you think. We find an excuse for a party many times throughout the year, and choosing foods and drinks that are hard on your teeth can take a toll on them. Dr. Jonathan Eagle wants Grand Rapids patients to know what foods and drinks to steer clear of at your next party.
 
 
Listed below are foods that you should consider skipping:
 
  • Hard Candy: Hard candy puts constant exposure to sugar on your teeth. They also can cause broken or chipped teeth.
  • Ice: Ice is most likely going to be a part of your next party to keep food or drinks cool. Although ice is just water and is essentially good for you, chewing on ice can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency and can also damage tooth enamel.
  • Citrus: Citrus can be found in many party drinks and some foods. Acidic foods like citrus can erode the enamel on teeth can make them more susceptible to decay over time.
  • Sticky Foods: Sticky foods can damage your teeth. They tend to stay on the teeth longer than foods that are not sticky.
  • Crunchy Foods: Chips are a common side for barbeques and go great with many party dips. Chips are actually filled with starch and can get stuck in your teeth. Be sure to floss to remove all the starch particles, if not, plaque will build-up.
  • Soda: Soda is one of the most common carbonated soft drink. Soda includes lots of sugar that produce acids that attack tooth enamel. It can also dry out your mouth from the caffeine. If you choose a soda, try to drink a cup of water with it.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol can cause your saliva to reduce over time. This can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections like gum disease.
 
Some good food choices to consider for a party platter include cheeses, chicken, meats, and nuts. These foods are known to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth. Firm/crunchy fruits and vegetables are also a good choice. These foods have high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugar they contain. Water, milk and unsweetened tea are the best beverage choices for your teeth.
 
As we go about the year and attend or host parties, don’t neglect your teeth. Visiting the dentist for regular checkups and appointments is important as well. Call 616-361-9330 or visit http://www.eagledds.com/appointment.html to schedule an appointment at Dr. Eagle’s office in Grand Rapids.