How Diet Impacts Your Oral Health
Did you know that what you choose for a meal or a snack could impact the health of your teeth and gums? In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist explains how the items we consume could impact our oral health, and offers a few tips for choosing items beneficial for your smile’s health.
The Risks of Sugar and Starch
When we consume foods with sugar and starch, or enjoy a beverage with high sugar content, this leaves behind particles that cling to our teeth or become stuck between them. Harmful oral bacteria will then break down these particles. This process increases overall oral acidity, and coats the teeth in plaque. This bacterial byproduct cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone, and eventually hardens in plaque. Over time, the buildup could increase the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, and even tooth decay and gum disease. Cutting back on these items could help safeguard your smile!
Drink More Water
Did you know that your tap water contains fluoride, a natural-occurring mineral that helps strengthen outer enamel to keep cavities at bay? Drinking water means enjoying a refreshing beverage that contains no sugars or acids, and helps cleanse your mouth of stray food particles. While the effects of soda are well known, other sugar rich beverages that could impact your smile include seemingly healthy choices like sports drinks or even fruit juices. Enjoying more water keeps you hydrated, and keeps your smile strong!
Healthy Options
Did you know that while fresh fruit is great for your smile and makes a delicious snack, dried fruit could lead to cavities? Choosing good snacks and meals mean paying attention to content, and avoiding items that could easily cling to your teeth. You should also look for vitamin content. Vitamin C and D could help strengthen your gum tissues and teeth, helping you avoid the onset of painful cavities and periodontal disease. You could find vitamin C in fresh fruits and veggies, as well as orange juice. Vitamin D is often found in fish, eggs, and red meat. Other smile-healthy snacks include whole grain breads and crackers, cheeses, low-fat yogurts, and even sugar-free chewing gum.
If you have any questions about choosing smile-healthy snacks and meals, then contact our team today to learn more!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Care?
Along with daily care, what you eat and drink can help your teeth stay healthy. If you would like to learn more about the treatments used to keep teeth strong and avoid issues like cavities or gum disease, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.