What you eat and drink has a direct impact on your dental health. From the type of food to how often you consume it, your diet can either positively or negatively affect your oral health. Knowing which foods and beverages to avoid, as well as those that benefit your teeth, is essential for maintaining good dental hygiene.
Sugars & Starches
It’s no secret that sugary snacks are bad for teeth; however, what many people don’t realize is that starches can also be detrimental to dental health. Foods such as chips, crackers, bread, and other carbohydrates break down into sugars in the mouth and create an environment where bacteria thrive. This increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Fruits & Veggies
Fruits and vegetables are great for both overall and oral health because they provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being low in sugar. Eating crunchy produce such as apples help scrape away plaque while other options like carrots help promote saliva production which naturally cleanses the mouth. Eating fruits and veggies with meals prevents starchy carbs from sticking to teeth, lessening their damaging effects.
Cheese & Dairy Products
Dairy products are beneficial for dental health because they contain calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel, and phosphorus, which helps the body absorb calcium more quickly. Cheese also helps balance pH levels in the mouth while neutralizing acids produced by plaque-causing bacteria. Eating fermented dairy products such as kefir or yogurt may help fight off bad breath!
Beverages
Water is usually best when it comes to staying hydrated; however, it can also help wash away food particles from teeth after eating or drinking sugary items. However, if you do indulge in a sweet beverage make sure to rinse with water afterward to wash away any leftover sugar particles from teeth surfaces. Avoiding beverages with high acidity levels will also protect the enamel from eroding over time due to acid erosion caused by acidic drinks like coffee or soda pop.
When it comes to maintaining good dental health it’s important to be mindful of what you put into your body as well as how often you consume certain items. At Hanson Dental we’re here for all of your dental needs, so contact us today if you have any questions regarding your oral health.
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