One of the best things you can do to ensure oral health is proper nutrition. In fact, most specialists agree that good nutrition is the key to a healthy mouth. And by selecting the proper foods in your diet you promote good oral hygiene and healthy teeth.
The Proper Nutrition
The food that you consume comes in direct contact with the bacteria and germs that live in your mouth. This is why brushing is so important in the prevention of plaque. In fact, plaque quickly accumulates on the teeth when you do not brush. This is because many foods contain sugars and starches, which are the ideal environment for plaque growth. Plus, the combination of plaque along with sugar and starch will create an acid that makes the enamel of your teeth rot and decay. This same acid can attack the teeth for 20 or more minutes states the American Dental Association. Plus repeated attacks can break down the hard enamel.
The bacteria in plaque can also activate an inflammatory effect that can cause the bones, gums and support structure to break down.
Selecting a Healthy Diet
It may be a lot harder than first realized when it comes to selecting a healthy diet. Actually, there are numerous foods that contain sugars and starches. For instances, common foods like milk, cereal, fruits and a few vegetables contain sugars and starches or both. As well, other foods like sweetened snacks, carbonated beverages, and sweetened fruit juices need to be restricted. However, healthy foods like fruits and cereals should not be eliminated from the diet. But a balanced diet is always important for ultimate nutrition. Just make certain that you floss daily and brush your teeth at least two times a day.
Healthy Guidelines
There are various guidelines and tips that can help you have healthier and brighter teeth:
- Floss every day
- Drink plenty of water
- Brush two times a day
- Reduce snacks between meals
- Decrease or eliminate sugary snacks and drinks
- Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist
- Generally, crunchy foods are good for your teeth
- Eat a balanced diet that contains the five major food groups
- Calcium rich foods strengthen your teeth and help build tooth enamel
- Preventing Stained Teeth
There are various foods that play a big part in discoloring and staining the teeth. Generally, food and beverages that contain tannins is a big culprit in the staining of teeth such as red wine and coffee. However, you can avoid a lot of staining, leftover food particles, and bad breath if you wait a while before brushing your teeth. First, you can wash away particles by drinking water and chewing gum. Also, waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth gives the enamel a chance to rebuild its strength.
Dentistry of Johns Creek
To keep your teeth healthy and to help prevent tooth decay, it is imperative to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist. Plus, making sure that you are eating a healthy diet is the first step to strong and healthy teeth. Dentistry of Johns Creek can help you stay on track with a dental maintenance program that supports good oral hygiene and healthy teeth.
And for your convenience, Dentistry of Johns Creek is located off of McGinnis Ferry Road and Peachtree Parkway, which is Highway 14, right across from Emory Johns Creek Hospital on Hospital Parkway in Johns Creek, GA.