What you eat and drink affects your general health, but it also affects your oral health. This is why a good diet is important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. There are certain products that you should avoid or consume in moderation.
Watching What You Eat and Drink
Some products are worse than others when it comes to contributing to cavities and gum disease. Candy, cookies, cakes, sweetened chewing gum and soft drinks contain high amounts of sugar that will coat your teeth and can lead to cavities. Diet drinks contain phosphorous that can wear down tooth enamel.
Products containing carbohydrates, such as bread and chips, can be as bad as candy. Even such “healthy” items as raisins and granola bars can prevent the saliva in your mouth from cleaning your teeth. Fruit and vegetable juices often contain high levels of sugar, and the contents of sports drinks can cause dental erosion. Yogurt, wine and fruits with a high acidic content can also affect your teeth.
Maintaining Good Oral Health
In addition to watching what you consume, your teeth and gums need personal care through regular brushing and flossing. Without such cleaning, the accumulation of plaque will destroy tooth enamel and eventually lead to the development of cavities. The accumulation of plaque can also harm your gums, leading to a condition in which the tissue pulls away from the teeth and possibly resulting in the loss of at least some of your teeth.
A good diet and good oral hygiene will go a long way in protecting your teeth and gums. Most importantly, you want to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy.
