The Bad and Good Foods for Teeth
What’s your comfort food? Everyone has. But if you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks or non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for tooth decay. Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay, including sports and energy drinks. Common sources of sugar in the diet include soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries. Citric fruits and juices are also sweet and acidic, and as we know, acid can weaken enamel.
Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out the mouth. Frequent drinks of coffee and tea may also stain teeth. And who doesn’t like starchy foods, like potato chips that tend to stick to tooth surfaces?
These foods and drinks are mostly unhealthy and their frequent consumption are contributory to tooth decay, the single most common chronic childhood disease. As this goes on unabated into adulthood, gum disease can manifest. The severe form, called periodontitis, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Experts believe that the disease progresses faster and is potentially more severe in people with poor nutrition.
Making wise choices and committing to change can reverse the process. With healthy living, healthy teeth and gums can be realized. Apart from drinking plenty of water, the elixir of life for a good many reasons, a balanced diet from each of the five major food groups is essential. These are whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes, and low-fat and fat-free dairy foods.
Limit the snacks, moderate alcohol consumption, and again, lots of water to wash down all sweet and acidic taste. Routine oral hygiene, which cannot be stressed enough, as well as regular dental visits are part of the goal to achieve optimal oral health.
Good Eating Habits Start Here in Bellingham
Know more about food and drinks that can positively affect your teeth and gums from your Bellingham dentists. There’s an adage that says, you are what you eat, so only eat right. We are here to help and keep you on track.