At Reyes Dental Group we believe in educating our patients to ensure they have great oral health as when issues arise with your teeth, it can affect your overall health. As part of National Nutrition Month, Dr. Larry Reyes and the dental team in Lorton are highlighting five types of foods and drinks that can harm your dental health, and will offer tips on how to minimize their impact.
When considering which foods to avoid to improve your dental health, think about the 5 Cs:
Candy: Any food that has sugar can spell trouble for your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar and produce acids that erode your tooth enamel and can lead to cavities.
Citrus Fruits: Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can also weaken your tooth’s enamel and make them more susceptible to tooth decay.
Carbonated drinks: Soda is high in sugar and acid so these pose a double threat on your dental health.
Chewy Foods: Chewy candy, dried fruit or anything sticky can cling on to the surface of your teeth and this promotes cavities.
Carbohydrates: Starchy foods like white bread, crackers, and chips break down into sugar, causing cavities.
Solutions for a Healthy Mouth
It’s important to recognize these poor food and drink choices and make small changes to improve them over time so that you can see great results for your oral health. There are several ways to do so:
Moderation: We know it’s very hard to completely cut all low-nutrient foods out of your lives, so we encourage you to eat them in moderation instead.
Healthy Choices: When faced with a candy bar or some fresh fruit or nuts as a snack, pick the latter choices. Also, pick water or unsweetened herbal teas as an alternative to sugary juices or drinks. Your teeth and body will be grateful for your good choices.
Regular Rinsing: Consider rinsing your mouth with water after consuming sugary or acidic foods to help neutralize the acids, and remove food particles from between your teeth and protect your tooth’s enamel.
Good Oral Hygiene Routine: Better than rinsing, if you brush and floss after each meal, this will ensure your teeth are as clean as they can be in between your regular visits to your Lorton dentist for a professional cleaning.
By avoiding these five types of foods and drinks, and taking steps to improve your routines and choices, you can help protect your teeth and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Dr. Reyes and the dental hygienists at Reyes Dental Group are here to support you on your journey and help you achieve the smile of your dreams! Make an appointment today!