By Stone Falls Dental Care · Published
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are important, but they aren't the only things to consider in keeping your pearly whites in tiptop shape. Most people understand that they should limit the sweets and candy they take in, but beyond sugary foods, what should and shouldn't you be consuming?
Here are some don'ts to help you eat right for your oral health.
1) Candy and Sweets – Sticky sweets adhere to your teeth and can't be easily washed away by saliva. This can cause tooth decay, especially if you regularly snack on sweets between meals.
2) Starchy Carbohydrates – Bacteria feed on the simple sugars that are left by starchy carbohydrates like chips, pasta, bread, or crackers. These bacteria produce acid, which can cause plaque buildup and tooth decay over time.
3) Soft Drinks – Like sweets, most regular soft drinks are packed with sugar and even diet soft drinks contain harmful levels of phosphorus. This can wear down the enamel on your teeth and leave them susceptible to decay.
4) Acidic Foods – Acids in citrus foods and even pickles can also wear down enamel.
5) Dried Fruits and Juices – Both juices and dried fruits have highly concentrated levels of sugar that can cause problems similar to candy and sweets.
Eating Healthy for Your Teeth Means Eating in Moderation. You don't have to go to extremes. You can still enjoy many of the don'ts in moderation and if you brush directly after consuming them. Call us today at (618) 624-2800 for your $39 Dental Checkup.