Limit These Foods to Protect Your Smile
Maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile requires more than just daily brushing and flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months. It also requires eating a nutritious diet. The food you consume plays a crucial role in your dental health! While some foods promote strong teeth and gums, other foods can increase your risk of developing dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and staining. Below, we recommend limiting certain foods to protect your smile.
Sugary Snacks & Beverages
When you consume sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids. These acids can gradually erode your tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. Limit your consumption of sugary treats like soft drinks, energy drinks, candies, and cookies. Opt for healthier alternatives like string cheese, nuts, fresh fruit, and vegetables. When you do indulge in something high in sugar, rinse your mouth with water and chew a piece of sugar-free gum afterwards.
Acidic Foods & Drinks
Citrus fruits, vinegars, and carbonated beverages can harm your smile by eroding tooth enamel with their acid content. Acid weakens the protective layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity. Consume acidic foods and drinks in moderation, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Staining Foods & Drinks
Coffee, tea, red wine, and soy sauce are common culprits of teeth staining. These items contain pigmented compounds that can stick to enamel’s crystalline mineral structure. Limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks. Drink dark beverages through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth with water.
Jonesboro Dental Care Can Help You Maintain a Healthy Smile!
Protecting your smile goes beyond regular brushing and flossing and routine dental visits. By being mindful of the foods you consume, you can positively contribute to your dental health and protect your smile from damage and discoloration. If you’re concerned about the effects food has already had on your teeth, please get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment!
Categorised in: Oral Health
