We learn from a very young age to avoid sugar in order to keep our teeth healthy. But maintaining a healthy smile is about more than simply cutting out candy. Some of the more innocent of foods can spur tooth decay, as well.
Your dietary decisions can also pose lasting issues with your oral health beyond tooth decay. Today, your Newport Beach, CA dentist discusses how diet can help or hinder your oral health.
Your Mouth Is Part Of Overall Health
In order to operate efficiently, the body needs sufficient fuel. American diets, while rich in many ways, are also lacking in robustness. By monitoring the intake of food, you can ensure that you have all the necessary nutritional fuel for your immune system,
Beyond the issue of tooth decay, weaker immune systems can allow for periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, to grow and develop.
This leads to gum recession, where the tissue pulls back, exposing the tooth’s root. By leaving them exposed, the tooth is much more vulnerable to any infection. Periodontal disease and its complications are the leading cause of tooth loss.
Tooth Decay and Diet
The true issue with eating candy or soda is the amount of the food left in the mouth after consumption. Food particles build in the deeper recesses of the teeth, leaving food for bacterial growth. The bacterial colonies create corrosive acidic waste, which eats away at the tooth itself.
But a lot of our views on tooth decay come from movies and other media. Just because something doesn’t look like a particularly sweet item doesn’t mean that it can’t be just as dangerous.
Bacteria eat carbohydrates within the mouth, which means that things like potato chips or even milk can spur this growth. Late night bread is a big danger, as it tends to stick deeply in the teeth.
How Can I Treat Myself With Care?
Appropriate nutrition is highly achievable, with minimal changes to daily life. Always speak with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.
Initially, adequate water consumption is paramount. In order to successfully fight off infection, the body requires significant hydration.
And beyond that, when you drink water, you are less likely to drink another sugary drink. Even if you only drink sugar-free soft drinks, the acidity in them can harm your enamel.
Beyond that, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are always great for your system. Each one brings a different set of benefits, so change up what you are eating when you can.
And with any oral health regimen, twice-daily brushing is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Daily flossing and an oral rinse are also highly suggested in order to maximize the cleanliness of the mouth.
Find Out More About Your Smile!
If you have any questions about maintaining a healthy mouth, please contact us today. To schedule an appointment, please call Balboa Dental Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, today at 949-630-0143.
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