Have you decided that the new year is a good time to get in shape and lose weight? Make sure you take advice from a dentist near you in Austin, TX before loading up on certain weight loss foods and beverages. Some of them may not be good for your teeth and gums, even if they help you reduce your caloric intake. Before starting your new workout and dietary regimen, contact Dr. Helen Ragsdale at (512) 346-4690 to make an appointment.
Smoothie Concerns
You do not want to start your day on an empty stomach, but you also want to avoid pancakes, donuts, and other snacks. Why not make a smoothie then? Just be sure that your smoothie is not filled with tons of sugar.
Some common smoothie ingredients include honey, sugar-added yogurt, and sugar-heavy peanut butter. Each of these items can lead to decay if you do not brush and floss immediately after drinking your smoothie, which may not happen if you drink it on the way to the gym.
If you want to incorporate smoothies into your daily menu, opt for ingredients that have no added sugars. Green smoothies with just a bit of artificial sweetener or Stevia provide you with an energy boost without leaving sugar on your teeth. Be sure to also keep a toothbrush and floss handy in your gym bag or work tote.
A final note on smoothies: If you add seeded berries, be sure the seeds do not get lodged in your gums. This can cause irritation, redness, and tissue trauma. Seeds that become deeply embedded under the gums require a visit to your dentist near you for removal.
Energy Bar Issues
What could be easier than eating an energy bar for your mid-morning or afternoon snack instead of a bag of potato chips or piece of candy? The problem is that energy bars are often made with high amounts of added sugars in a variety of forms, such as corn syrups, honey, and pure cane sugar. They are also very sticky due to their density, leaving you with a sugary residue on your teeth and gums.
If you do not take the time to remove the residue, it can lead to an increased build-up of plaque. Plaque can lead to both tooth decay and gingivitis. A good way to avoid excessive plaque due to increased ingestion of energy bars is to wash down your energy bar with a glass of water. Then, brush your teeth to remove any leftover food particles.
Citrus Fruit Caution
Citrus fruits including grapefruits and oranges are terrific items to eat. Not only are they jam-packed with nutrients, but they offer fiber as well. However, citrus fruits are also very acidic. Although tooth enamel is extremely hard, it is susceptible to erosion from constant contact with acids such as the kind found in some fruits.
Again, the best way for you to avoid tooth problems related to increased consumption of citrus foods and drinks is to wash away residue with water. Drinking a bottle of ice water after eating an orange or kiwi will flush away the acid from the teeth.
Is There a Dentist Near Me in Austin, TX Who Can Help?
Congratulations on your journey to becoming healthier in the new year. With the help of Dr. Helen Ragsdale, you can be sure that you get fitter without doing unwanted damage to your teeth and gums. Call us at (512) 346-4690 to schedule your first visit. Good luck on taking charge of your health!
