With the proliferation of “health” foods on the market, your Jacksonville dentist Dr. Tiffany Shields reminds you that “healthy” is a relative term. Foods marketed for weight reduction may actually harm your oral health.

Fruit smoothies and cereal bars, for example, may seem better than sausage or bacon as breakfast alternatives, but the high levels of sugar and acidity can actually cause as much harm as drinking soda. If you’re trying to optimize your health, opt instead for water. You can always brush teeth 30 minutes after a high-sugar meal in order to limit the impact of sugary foods as well.

It’s always a good idea to read food labels for sugar content and to focus on the macronutrients. When you eat a fruit, for example, in it’s rawest form, you’re likely also eating the fiber and abrasive outer surfaces that help to clean the teeth and gums.

If you have questions about healthy eating and your teeth, contact the team at Smiles by Shields today!