Healthy diet, healthy smile
Your diet is just as important for the health of your teeth and gums as it is for your general health. Calcium rich foods like dairy products and crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrot and celery sticks help for strengthen tooth enamel.
Sugar is the main contributor to tooth decay and gum disease and unfortunately much of it is hidden in our favourite foods as well as foods we assume are healthy.
Once you bite into food, you’re exposing your teeth to acids that erode tooth enamel for up to 20 minutes after eating. Some food has more acid than others such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, while treats such as chips, lollies and chocolate all adhere to your teeth for long periods. The bacteria that naturally occurs in your mouth transform the sugar and starch from these foods into acid and it’s this acid that attacks your enamel.
Drinking fluoridated water helps neutralise food acid from sugary snacks like lollies, cakes and biscuits as well as sugary soft and sports drinks. Water also increases saliva production, which is your body’s natural defence against tooth decay.
But you don’t have to give up the foods you love, just limit their amount to reduce their negative impact. The more food groups you include in each meal, the healthier your mouth and body will be. Eating a balanced diet and brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is essential to maintaining good oral health.
You should also visit the Helena Street Dental Midland team every six months for a check-up and advice on how to maintain your oral health between visits.
For advice on a healthy diet, schedule a consultation today. You can call us on (08) 9250 3100 or visit our practice at 2/42 Victoria Street, Midland WA 6056.
