How Your Dental Health Relates To Your Diet

Many patients of mine have fallen blind to the effects that food can generate on their bodies a long time after it has originally been consumed. As an example, did you know that eating a sweet treat after dinner can do less harm to your teeth than when it’s eaten on its own? In the following article, we will discuss different ways of preventing cavities, and how it’s easier to do when you understand how food truly affects your oral health.

Instant Effect of Food on Your Teeth

There are some foods that you eat that can have an instant effect on your teeth. This instant effect comes in the form of chemical reactions, in which the bacteria in your mouth forms acids. These acids indicate the beginning of the cavity creating process. Foods that fall in the carbohydrate family are broken down into simple sugars and break down in the mouth.

Acids Cause Demineralization

The acid formed by bacteria and sugar also work, unfortunately, to dissolve needed materials inside of your tooth enamel. As soon as these acids are formed, they can do their work in about half an hour, unless removed by brushing. Teeth do you have the ability to regain lost minerals by drinking mineral water, eating fresh vegetables, and using dental products and water supplies that contain fluoride in them.

Foods That Encourage Dental Health

There are certain fields that can encourage dental health. By conducting a lifestyle that implements a lot of poor nutrition habits and decisions, you can directly affect the health of your body, mouth, and teeth. Let’s take a look at some foods that are good for your dental health.

• Orange and dark green vegetables
• Fresh fruits
• Fish
• Legumes
• Whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa
• Lean meat
• Water

Use These Foods Sparingly

On the opposite end of the spectrum, let’s take a look at foods that you should hold off on eating on a daily basis:

• Cake
• Cookies
• Candy
• Sweetened beverages, such as soda, juices, lemonade, and iced tea
• Dried fruits and fruit leather
• Salty snacks like potato chips, pretzels, crackers, etc.

At Mercado Dental Care, we are always concerned with your dental needs and wants. We work hard to make sure all of our patients stay informed on topics that are relevant and can help them the most. If you’re worried about the effect your diet is having on your dental health, feel free to give our Scottsdale, AZ, office a call or an email. We would be more than happy to help you schedule a consultation appointment to get you closer to the goal of having a healthy and beautiful mouth!