Busy lives and packed schedules often make healthy food choices challenging for our adult patients. It’s often easier to grab something convenient and pre-made when you’re feeling rushed and short on time.
Not only do food choices affect your overall health, they also affect your dental wellbeing. When sugar comes into contact with the already existing bacteria in your mouth, acid forms. This acid attacks your teeth, resulting in demineralization and cavities. By being more aware of the foods that you’re eating, and avoiding added sugar, you’ll enjoy a healthier, brighter smile.
Is Your Smile Too Sweet?
Your smile is with your forever, so you want to take the best care of it that you can. A diet that includes a variety of selections from the five major food groups will be rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals that your smile (and your body) needs to stay healthy. Avoid foods with added sugar, such as…
- Soft Drinks (even if they’re “diet”)
- Sports Drinks
- Juice
- Pastries
It’s important to read the labels on food items to avoid added damage-causing sugar. Most foods include some form of sugar, but some choices are healthier than others.
Look for foods that are minimally processed such as raw vegetables, fruit, cheese and yogurt. Not only are you protecting your teeth from sugar, you’re giving your teeth the benefits of nutrient-dense foods that will promote a healthier, brighter smile.
Worried About Your Smile?
Did you know that the acid produced by eating sugar will linger and attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more after you’ve finished a meal? Your best defense is first avoiding bad foods, but you can also proactively protect your smile by practicing good oral hygiene.
Thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals. Tooth brushing isn’t a race, though most people treat it like one. Take your time to focus on each tooth and take at least two minutes to do a thorough job. Don’t forget to floss each day, too!
To keep your smile looking its best and brightest, be sure to come visit us at Greenville Family Smiles for regular checkups. If it’s been awhile since your last dental visit or if you’re worried you might have a cavity, give us a call and come see us!