There’s a reason health professionals advise us to watch what we eat. When you drink alcohol and eat foods that are high in starch or sugar, you are nourishing your body and the bacteria in your mouth at the same time. This bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is another filmy substance that can cover the surface of your teeth. Acids amalgamate in these areas when plaque is in contact with sugars or carbs. If you think this is happening to your smile, you may want to consult our dentist to understand how to proceed. Receiving an oral exam and dental cleanings near you is a great way to figure out a solution.
Additionally, certain foods promote tooth decay. Other foods prevent the formation of plaque. Here are the types of foods you should eat to keep your teeth healthy:
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Fiber-rich food
Consuming fiber-rich foods help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Additionally, they cause salivation. This is your best natural defence against cavities and gum disease, second only to regular at-home dental care. After eating a food item that contains carbohydrates or sweets, your saliva starts to reduce the impact of the acids and enzymes pounding your teeth about 20 minutes later. Calcium & phosphate scraps can be seen in saliva. As a result, it also replenishes minerals in tooth covers that have lost them due to bacterial acids.
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Dairy products
Another saliva producer is cheese. The calcium and phosphate in milk, cheese, and other products help fill minerals that other foods may have stripped from your teeth. They also support tooth enamel regeneration.
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Teas
Both of these teas have polyphenols that work with plaque bacteria. Such chemicals either stop or control bacterial growth. This prevents bacteria from multiplying or growing acid that damages teeth.
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Sugar-free gum for chewing
This one is another fantastic saliva generator that cleans food that remains in your mouth.
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Fluoridated foods
Your teeth benefit from ingesting fluoridated water and using items made with fluoridated water. This contains dehydrated soups and powdered juices (as long as they don’t include a lot of sugar). It can also be present in powder-form commercially organized meals such as seafood, poultry, and cereals.
For more information about this, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Waterloo.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Mouth Healthy?
- Eat things that are a bit sweeter during meals; this helps your mouth produce more saliva. By doing so, you can lessen the impact of acid production and rinse food remnants out of your mouth.
- Eat fewer snacks. If you feel like a snack, pick something healthy. Consider chewing sugarless gum to stimulate salivation and wash any remaining food or acid from your mouth afterward.
- Up your water intake. Water that has been fluoridated can help stop tooth decay. Verify the fluoride content on the label if you prefer bottled water.
- Every day, brush your teeth twice.
- Floss every day.
Reach Out to Our Dentist in Waterloo
It’s imperative to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to maintain a clean, healthy mouth. Consuming more high-fiber foods, sugar-free gum, and water while avoiding citrus fruits, sticky candies, and soda can also assist in maintaining healthy teeth.
Contact Harmony Dental Care if you have questions or concerns about taking the best care of your teeth. We’ll put you in touch with a staff member who can assist you. You’ll be invited to attend a preliminary oral exam near you so our dentist can fully comprehend your situation.
So what are you waiting for? Call or email today!