Blog Post

Lunch Ideas When You Can’t Brush Your Teeth

Gerald M • Jul 15, 2019
healthy lunch ideas

Brushing your teeth after lunch is always a good idea but many people either don’t think about it or they don’t have the tools they need on hand throughout the day. Most dentists recommend that you brush twice a daily, so not brushing after lunch isn’t necessarily the end of the world. However, there are foods you can eat at lunchtime that will contribute to your oral health. A healthy lunch not only gives your body essential nutrients, but it can keep your teeth looking and feeling great as well.

Dairy Foods

Dairy foods are rich in calcium, which is one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy and strong teeth. You can easily increase dairy in your lunch by putting cheese on a sandwich, eating a cup of yogurt, or drinking a glass of milk. Cheese is especially beneficial because it has enzymes that neutralize the bacteria that can damage your teeth after eating. If you don’t have time to brush after lunch, snack on a piece of low-fat cheese to get rid of some of the debris from your lunch.

Fruits and Veggies

The vitamins and minerals found in many fruits and vegetables can help protect your teeth from tooth decay. Pears, berries, melon, and apples are some of the best snacks for your oral health. Raw vegetables like carrots, broccoli, celery, and cucumber can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a lunch salad, to the benefit of your teeth. If you are getting lunch on the run, try an unsweetened fruit or veggie drink to enjoy the same benefits.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are less likely to contribute to tooth decay than other options because they are not processed and do not include added sugar. If you enjoy a sandwich or pasta for lunch, opt for a whole grain version with veggies and low-fat cheese. You’ll still feel full after the meal, but you won’t have to worry about causing problems for your teeth if you don’t have the opportunity to brush right away.

Protein

Protein is a great option when you can’t brush after a meal because most of them are low in sugar. Grilled chicken, shrimp, and tuna are all quick, simple options to add extra protein to your sandwich or salad. Not only will you feel full for longer, but you won’t have worries about tooth decay if you don’t have the chance to clean your teeth after eating.

A Note on Sugary Lunch Options

Many people experience a sugar craving right around lunchtime. If you are not able to brush your teeth immediately after lunch, you should avoid sugar in your lunchbox. Sugar covers your teeth in bacteria that can eventually lead to tooth decay. Don’t drink soda with your lunch and resist the urge to have candy or dessert following your meal. Enjoy these treats after dinner, when you have access to your toothbrush. Your body and your teeth will both thank you.

If you are looking for Powell, OH dentist, the Sampson Dental Group is accepting new patients. For more information about our dental services or to request an appointment, please click here.

Dentist in Westerville OH
05 Dec, 2023
Moving to a new city is hard enough, but if you are moving to an entirely different state altogether, the adjustment period might feel like it will never end. You might love everything about Massachusetts, but completely reconfiguring your life can be daunting, even for things seemingly as small as finding the right dentist. You know you want someone qualified, someone who will provide comprehensive dental services, and someone who will see you as more than just a number. You are likely thinking, “Is there someone close by who has everything I want from my dentist?” Hopefully, you will have an easier time after considering the following points. Experience and Qualifications It is always smart to check out how long a dental professional has been practicing, the number of professional associations they have affiliated themselves with, and, for extra clarification, the university or college your prospect chose for their dental school. In addition to the length of time your potential dentist has been operating, it is also wise to ask how much experience they have with each aspect of dentistry and how long they’ve performed in those various areas. Patient Reviews When choosing a new dentist, especially in an area you have just moved to, it is an absolute necessity that you check online reviews and ratings to get a better understanding of how patients like you feel about the practice and what they have experienced sitting in the chair. You can find out about the level of professionalism and kindness from the staff, how cleaned up the office is, and, perhaps most importantly, whether the office’s priority is simply getting bills paid or making sure their patients receive quality dental care. Offered Services This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but you should be sure the dental professional you choose offers the kind of services you want and need—whether it is just general check-ups and cleanings, children’s dentistry, or something more complicated like restorative dentistry or Invisalign. Since dental care will be a part of our lives until the very end, building strong relationships with patients is important to us at Sampson Dental Group. You may not need a dental implant today, but the future could very well call for one, and, at the very least, the option is available for older family members. We are proud to provide the full scope of dental services for all patients—from seniors to kids to everybody in between. Logistics  We know it can be frustrating to fight traffic anywhere, especially if the dentist you are driving to is out of the way. Fortunately, Sampson Dental Group has three convenient locations in Gahanna, Granville, Powell and Westerville, and you can always make an appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you. We can’t wait to meet you, so fill out or contact form and our office will be in touch with you ASAP.
Sampson Dental
05 Dec, 2023
For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new Westerville OH dentist? Sampson Dental Group is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .
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