Proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet are needed for good total body health. But the foods we consume not only lead to a fitter physique and a healthier heart; they also affect the health of our teeth and gums. The more often you eat and the longer foods stay in your mouth, the more damage that occurs. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids, and the acids then begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. Establish a Proper Diet You can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease by eating a well-balanced diet based on the well-known food pyramid. It is recommended that eating a variety of foods from the five major food groups - grains, fruit, vegetables, milk and meat - are highly important. Vitamin and mineral supplements can also help in the preservation of periodontal health in addition to the boosting of overall health and well-being. Your dentist and family physician can help you determine a healthy diet for your needs. By eating in moderation and variety you can develop eating habits that follow the recommendations of various reputable health organizations to protect your oral health as well as your overall health. Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which results in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Always keep your mouth moist by drinking water because your saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues. When you have a dry mouth, substitute your diet with sugarless candy or gum to stimulate your saliva. Frequency of Eating When teeth are repeatedly exposed to foods and beverages, the chance for decay greatly increases. Eliminating foods high in starch or sugar won't always be possible, so try to eat them during meals rather than between meals. To reduce the time teeth are exposed to these factors, it's important to: *Avoid continuous snacking and sipping of drinks; *Allow time between meals for saliva to neutralize acids and repair the teeth *Avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods, drinks, citrus fruits and juices *Avoid eating right before bedtime It has long been known that good nutrition and a well-balanced diet is one of the best defenses for maintaining your oral health. While choosing healthy foods and drinks are good ways to prevent tooth decay, daily oral hygiene should still remain an integral part for achieving healthy teeth and gums. Soda Attacks Your Teeth Living in a fast food era, it is hard for people to avoid the urge to drink sugar filled soda. Many people will grab a pop, or iced tea instead of water. Pop doesn't just contain empty calories, but it also contains sugars that can harm enamel, which is the protective shell around your teeth. Over time exposing dental enamel to carbonated beverages and non-carbonated canned ice tea weakens and permanently destroys enamel, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Repeated exposure over a long period of time increases your risk of getting a cavity. Drinking pop through a straw may help in reducing the amount of soda that comes into direct contact with your teeth. It is also recommended that rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking and using toothpaste that contains fluoride may also help in preventing further damage from the sugars. Remove plaque by brushing and flossing after every meal, and visit your San Jose, CA dentist for regular checkups and cleaning as he can detect signs of early decay.
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