It’s a brand new year, and if you’re like many people, you’re going to try and make some positive changes in your life. More often than not, this means your diet. This is smart, as one of the most important factors for your overall health is the food you eat every day. However, did you know it can also be a big influence on your teeth? Today, your dentist in Ocala, FL, Dr. Daniel Weldon, is going to tell you a little more about how your diet could make both you and your smile healthier this year.
Food and Your Oral Health
When you were very young, you were told sugary treats like candy were bad for your teeth, and that was probably the last you heard of how food can affect them. While this is true, it is just the tip of the iceberg. Food can be both good and bad for your teeth, it just depends on what you choose every day.
One of the biggest enemies of your teeth is indeed sugar. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth feeds on the leftover sugar on your teeth, and this creates acidic plaque. This is what can break down your teeth and lead to cavities. Most foods have sugar, so it is impossible to completely avoid it and have a healthy diet. Certain foods, however, are extremely sugar-laden and have little nutritional value. Examples are candy, sodas, juices, and energy drinks. Unfortunately, people around the world consistently drink these on a regular basis, and can do a lot of damage. Sodas are particularly bad because they tend to be acidic as well.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the occasional sweet treat. The keyword from your family dentist in Ocala, FL is moderation. Rather than sipping on soda all day, it is better to just have one with a meal. Often, it is not even the amount of sugar that can cause tooth decay, but consistent exposure. If you are constantly soaking your teeth in sugary drinks, it means they are constantly being exposed to acidic plaque. The best approach is to try and consume sugary drinks in a relatively limited time frame, and drink plenty of water when you’re thirsty.
The Upside
Fortunately, certain foods and drinks can also be very beneficial for your teeth. Water has a multitude of benefits. Firstly, you can drink as much as you want and not expose yourself to sugar. It also is able to rinse your teeth of excess food particles, and tap water is often fluoridated, which can actually strengthen your teeth. Foods high in calcium such as yogurt, milk, and cheese add minerals to your teeth that can protect you from cavities. Certain fibrous vegetables like celery and carrots are healthy choices because they are not only good for your body, but also practically scrub your teeth while you are chewing them. Little changes to your daily diet such as drinking more water and eating more vegetables can help clean your teeth between brushing.
Want To Know More?
If you’re going to be making more healthy choices this year, make ones that will help both your body and your smile. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and you can easily benefit them both by choosing the right foods in 2017.
If you’d like to know more about how your diet can affect your teeth, or which foods are best for them, just give us a call today.