People often don’t realize how much their eating habits affect their teeth. It’s not just about sugary snacks — even “healthy” choices can be problematic if consumed the wrong way. As we often tell our patients here at Making You Smile Cosmetic Dental Studio, it’s not just what you eat, but how long your teeth are exposed to it. The number one thing you can do to help protect your teeth when it comes to eating is to eat quickly. This will reduce the amount of time your teeth are coming into contact with bacteria forming foods.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it’s okay to snack throughout the day as long as you’re eating healthy foods. But the truth is, the longer your teeth are exposed to food — any food — the more harm you’re doing. Even something like an apple can cause problems if you eat it slowly over an hour, rather than in a few minutes. And if you’re sipping on coffee with sugar or even honey all day? You’re just decalcifying your teeth, creating the perfect environment for cavities to form.
The key is to limit how long your teeth are exposed to food. We always tell our patients to snack quickly, and make sure they finish their meal or snack within 15 to 30 minutes. Your mouth’s pH level stays acidic for about 30 minutes after you eat, so if you’re constantly snacking, your teeth are exposed to acid for hours. Although, it is better to choose snacks that are less harmful such as almonds, jello, or even a quick protein bar, it is still important to make sure you’re not eating slowly over long periods.
It’s not about cutting out all your favorite foods — it’s about being smart about how you consume them. By adjusting how often and how long your teeth are exposed to food, you can make a big difference in your dental health. Small changes like these can prevent major issues down the road. When it comes to dental care, the best thing you can do is book routine cleanings and dental exams with your family dentist. And for more tips on nutrition and your teeth see our article on Nutrition and Diet for Preventing Cavities
