Is Pandemic Snacking Causing Cavities?

woman snacks during the covid pandemic

The pandemic has been difficult in so many ways. It’s also changed our normal schedules and increased how often we snack. What are the effects of this change? Is snacking during the pandemic causing tooth cavities?

What Snacking Does to Your Teeth

Anytime you eat or drink, the starches and sugar combine with your mouth’s bacteria to create acid. The acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth for at least 20 minutes after you’ve eaten or drank something! Over time, that acid creates holes. That’s how you get cavities. When you snack all day, your teeth never get a break. Any food with carbs leads to acid, but very sugary foods like juices, sodas, candy, and more create higher amounts.

How the Pandemic Has Changed Snacking

According to research, people are turning to snacks for comfort during the pandemic. Salty foods like chips and pretzels are becoming more popular, along with chocolate. People have also been baking more at home, leading to flour shortages. The way we snack has changed, as well. With so many of us at home, we have more time to extend our snacking through the day. This “grazing” can be hard on our teeth, even if we’re choosing healthier snack options.

Getting Dental Care at Curtis Family Dentistry During the Pandemic

The stress snacking of the pandemic and fears about getting sick can increase oral health problems and make it tempting to skip routine dental care. At our Mooresville office, we’re committed to your safety and have implemented changes like screening patients, using HEPA air filters, and limiting how many people can be in the waiting room. We highly recommend you do not delay routine preventative care or ignore any dental issues. If you’re like most of us these days, you’re snacking more and we want to be sure your teeth are staying healthy! Please contact us if you have any questions about our COVID precautions or want to book an appointment.

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