Q: I know sugar’s not good for teeth. What foods are generally good for dental health?
A: You’re right about the sugar. Your mouth is full of bacteria that naturally occur there. The bacteria love sugar — and starch. And when your teeth are not thoroughly clean, the bacteria eat the sugar and starch that form a film on your teeth — the plaque. The byproduct of their eating is acid that can eat through the enamel. That’s tooth decay.
It’s hard to avoid sugar entirely, and you don’t have to. Fruit, milk, bread, cereals, and vegetables all contain sugar. But avoid sugary snacks. The American Dental Association estimates each sugary snack results in an acid attack on your teeth for 20 minutes or more. If you feel the urge for a snack, reach for fruit, nuts, seeds raw vegetables, plain yogurt, popcorn, dill pickles, and olives.
Sugar and starches eaten as part of a meal are less harmful than when eaten alone. During a meal, your mouth is producing substantial saliva, which helps wash away food particles. Avoid things like cake, chips, cookies, and crackers when you’re eating them by themselves.
If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
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39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360.
or your friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
or your friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
While tooth enamel is the hardest element in your body, it is susceptible to wear and tear just like any other part of the body. Some foods and beverages that passes through our mouth are more corrosive to enamel than are others. For instance, though fruit and fruit juice are good for us in some ways, those that contain citric acid, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are potentially damaging to teeth enamel. You should also consume carbonated drinks in moderation. In addition, you even also need to be careful about the toothpaste you use. You should avoid toothpastes with abrasives in them, like charcoal toothpastes, even though they may be marketed as tooth-whitening, stain-removing marvels.
Acids in sugar-free beverages can erode tooth enamel. People find carbonated beverages refreshing. Enjoy them in moderation and preferably with meals. The American Dental Association offers these tips to reduce tooth erosion from acidic food and beverages:
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