July 1, 2005

How snacking affects oral health

By Douglas W. Vierra, D.D.S.
Special to the Times

In today’s world, everyone seems to eat on the run. Despite all the fast, healthy options such as salads, vegetables and fruits, many consumers opt for fast food.

The foods we choose as fuel generally affect our overall health, including our teeth and gums. Most nutritional experts recommend following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Guide Pyramid. The Guide classifies foods into five major food groups:

- Breads, cereals and other grain products

- Fruits

- Vegetables

- Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts

- Milk, cheese and yogurt

The USDA’s guidelines encourage consumers to limit intake of beverages and foods high in added sugars that may crowd out other healthy food from their diet. Soft drinks are a major source of added sugar. Many non-diet soft drinks contain as many as 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. One of every four beverages consumed in America today is a soft drink, and it is clear that soft drinks have displaced other nutritious beverages and foods from the diet.

Most soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids. This acidity can wear tooth enamel and result in erosion or the loss of the hard surface of teeth. Diet soft drinks rely on non-nutritive sweeteners instead of sugar and also are acidic, again increasing the risk of tooth enamel erosion.

Many snack foods such as cookies, ice cream and packaged fruit snacks also are high in sugar. Keep healthy alternatives and plenty of water available when snacking.

Snack patterns among children, teens and adults are important factors that can affect how quickly one may develop tooth decay. The reason is a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, which constantly forms on the teeth and gums.

When the bacteria come in contact with sugar or starch in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay. Frequency of sugar intake between meals dramatically increases one’s risk of tooth decay.

For years the American Dental Association has recognized the link between good oral health and sound nutrition. The association has recommended that children and adults limit eating and drinking between meals and, when they must snack, give preference to nutritious foods identified by the USDA’s dietary guidelines.

Be mindful of the effects of frequent consumption of sugary beverages and non-nutritious snack foods. Remember, we are what we eat and drink.

Douglas W. Vierra, D.D.S., is the owner dentist of Plaza Dental Group, 1654 E. Capitol Expressway, San Jose, CA 95121-1839, (408) 270-4333. He is a member of the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, Santa Clara Dental Society and East Valley Lion’s Club.