In addition to brushing and flossing, we also need to pick healthier food options to help protect our smiles from issues like tooth decay and gum disease. In today’s blog, your Newhall, CA, dentist is talking about how to eat better and safeguard your smile. We also want to remind our patients that we still offer treatment for dental emergencies!
Avoiding Sugar and Starch
You know who loves sugar and starch as much as us? Harmful oral bacteria. When we consume items high in sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles trapped on and between the teeth. Bacteria the consume these particles, breaking them down. The process then elevates oral acidity and also coat the teeth in plaque. This buildup cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone, and helps increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by weakening outer enamel and inflaming the gum tissue. In order to help reduce the severity of this buildup until we can remove it with a dental cleaning, you need to not only brush and floss daily, but watch what you eat as well!
Healthy Alternatives
Try to avoid candies, snack cakes, chocolates, or chips. Instead, try to pick up more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grain crackers, pretzels, yogurt, cheeses, or sugar-free gum. Not only do many of these items safeguard your smile, they also contain essential nutrients that strengthen teeth.
Cut Out the Soda
What you drink also impacts your oral health! For example, sodas, along with energy drinks and fruit juices, contain high amounts of sugar. We feed harmful bacteria and increase the risk of tooth decay. Sports drinks contain high amounts of acids, which also weaken enamel. If you’re going to enjoy these items, limit them to one a day and follow them up with a glass of water to help cleanse the smile. If you have any questions about protecting your smile at home, then contact our team today. Remember that we’re still offering treatment for dental emergencies, which include damaged teeth or persistent aches or sensitivity. When you arrive, you will have the waiting room to yourself and our team will clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces in between each and every visit. We will be following strict health and safety measures to protect our patients and team members!
Do You Have Questions About Oral Hygiene?
We want to make sure you maintain a healthy smile from home, with daily care and better habits. Brushing, flossing, and healthy food and drink choices improve your smile, as well as your overall health too. To learn more about keeping your smile healthy and strong, then please schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.