When we treat our bodies well, it treats us well in return. But it’s not only in a general sense, a diet filled with nutrition can also help to improve and/or maintain our dental health as well. If the foods are not good for you, they can contribute to the development of gum disease; if they are, they will have the opposite effect.
Foods and drinks high in sugar and acid are typically bad for your teeth because they contribute to both tooth decay and periodontal disease, making them weaker and more vulnerable to tooth decay. Foods like celery can help brush food particles off of teeth, and they also encourage the production of saliva to cleanse the teeth. Foods high in calcium and protein (such as cheese, milk, meats, and nuts) tend to be low in sugar and key to stronger teeth by protecting tooth enamel.
In addition to the sugar and acid contents of food, patients should pay attention to how long the food is in contact with their teeth. Soft foods like peanut butter are more likely to be stuck between teeth, and drinks that are sipped throughout the day tend to stay in contact with teeth all day. In order to keep these foods from having adverse effects on your teeth, eat or drink the sugary ones in one sitting so you can brush or rinse afterwards. If a toothbrush isn’t handy, popping a stick of sugar-free gum in your mouth will create the saliva needed to rinse your teeth enough until a proper brushing is available.
If you’re interested in learning more about smile-friendly foods, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.
Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.
Are you new in town? Do you have a toothache but don’t know where to turn? Whatever the reasoning is, it is never easy to find someone to take care of your smile. And while the task itself can be quite overwhelming at first, choosing a dentist to suit your needs usually results in a long-term relationship. So, how can you make this process as painless as possible?