A quick breakfast means getting on with our day faster. Unfortunately, one of the more common breakfast options – cereal – might some unintended consequences for teeth. So what should better breakfasts include for brighter smiles?
Too much sugar at breakfast time isn’t a great way to start the day, and some cereals have more sugar than you might think. A report noted that cereals marketed to children had more added sugar per serving than what federal regulations recommend. When these refined sugars come into contact with teeth, dental plaque reacts with them to create acids. Over time and with enough exposure, those acids can cause cavities.
The good news for parents is that there are lots of ways to avoid this cavity-causing effect. Opting for healthier cereals is a great place to start. Look for low-sugar options, preferably with four grams of sugar or less in one serving. You should also choose varieties made from whole grains to maintain nutrients like fiber, which stimulates saliva flow to help keep teeth clean. To navigate through the multitude of options, read the packaging and pay close attention to the valuable nutrition information that is typically on the back or side.
Regardless of which cereal you choose, there are ways to minimize the effects it can have on your teeth. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, drinking milk after eating sugary breakfast cereals can help decrease your risk of cavities. It can also help to brush after your meal, and only eat cereal at breakfast time instead of snacking on it throughout the day.
If you choose to limit the amount of sugary cereals you eat, make sure you’re still enjoying a hearty breakfast. Take a look at our list of alternatives that’ll give you the boost you need without hurting your teeth:
- Fruit – apples, berries, cherries, melons, pears
- Dairy products – yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese slices
- Protein – Canadian bacon, lean ham, turkey bacon, and light turkey or chicken sausage
- Eggs – sunny-side up, omelets, crustless quiche
- Smoothies and smoothie bowls (avoid adding fruit juices that are high in sugar)
- Whole-wheat toast and whole-wheat bagels
With slight adjustments to your morning routine, you can start the day on the right note while curbing your risk for tooth decay.
