What you eat matters for your whole body, and your teeth and gums are no exception. Our team is happy to share nutrition tips that support a healthy smile.
Nutrition and Oral Health
More than 90 percent of American adults have had at least one cavity, and more than half have gum disease. A smile-friendly diet helps prevent both and gives your teeth and gums the nutrients they need.
Foods and Drinks to Limit
Start with sugar, and not only candy and donuts. Cough drops and fruit juice carry plenty too. Sugar feeds harmful mouth bacteria, which produce acids that wear away enamel and cause decay. Sugary snacks also help plaque build up, the main cause of gum disease.
Sticky, chewy foods cling to the grooves of your teeth where bacteria thrive. Starchy foods like white bread and potato chips turn pasty and lodge between teeth. Acidic foods and drinks erode enamel, which raises the risk of decay, sensitivity and staining, and soda is a double threat: sugary and acidic. Be careful with very hard or crunchy foods, too; they can crack or chip a tooth.
Smile-Friendly Choices
Aim for a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein and plenty of water. When you want a snack, skip the sweets and processed foods and reach for fresh fruit, raw vegetables, cheese or nuts.
Preventive Dentistry in Whitesboro, TX
We would much rather prevent problems than treat them. Keep up with your cleanings and exams, and call (903) 564-3451 or contact us to schedule your next visit.