What you eat can have a significant impact on every aspect of your health, including your oral health. In fact, your teeth and gums are particularly sensitive to your diet because they are the first parts of your body to come into contact with food. When coupled with the right oral care routine, a tooth-friendly diet can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. At Westmount Dental Centre, our family dentists are happy to provide our patients with tips on how to eat well for good oral health. Foods That Negatively Impact Oral Health Foods that your Edmonton family dentist will tell you to avoid because they can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums are those that give plaque bacteria the upper hand, such as: - Sugary foods: Excess sugar is bad for your teeth because it provides a food source for plaque bacteria, which then releases acid that harms your tooth enamel. Avoid sugary snacks and other foods high in sugar. - Starchy foods: Potato chips, bread, potatoes, and other starchy foods can easily stick to your teeth and break down into sugars. Starches don't need to be avoided entirely, but limiting them is a good idea. - Sticky foods: Any food that "sticks" around on the teeth, such as sticky candies and dried fruit, can promote the development of cavities. - Fruit juice and carbonated beverages: Both pop and fruit juice tend to have a high sugar content. Carbonated beverages, whether they contain sugar or not, also tend to be acidic. Foods That Positively Impact Oral Health There are also many foods that dentists in Edmonton encourage their patients to eat because they help keep the teeth healthy and strong, including: - Fruits and veggies: Not only do fruits and veggies encourage the flow of saliva but they can also scrub the teeth while you eat them. Apples, broccoli, strawberries, pineapple, celery and other fruits and veggies high in fibre are great for the teeth. - Nuts: A healthy and tasty snack, nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and peanuts are full of vitamins and minerals that promote good dental health. - Dairy products: Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are good for the teeth because they are high in calcium and because they also encourage saliva production. - High-protein foods: A diet full of high-protein foods such as fish, spinach, beans, and eggs will provide the nutrients necessary to build strong tooth enamel, such as calcium and phosphorus. Get More Tips for a Healthy Smile from Your Edmonton Dentist If you have any more questions about the impact of diet on oral health or on oral health in general, don't hesitate to visit Westmount Dental Centre. Our experienced dentists in Edmonton are here to help with all of your oral health needs, including providing you with recommendations on your diet. As a children's dentist in Edmonton, we'll also keep an eye on your child's developing teeth and gums. To schedule an appointment at our clinic, contact Westmount Dental Centre today.
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