Did you know that the foods you eat and the beverages you drink can impact your smile? As your local Columbus, GA, dentist office, we’re here to help you understand what to look out for when choosing certain foods and beverages. Enjoying in moderation and ensuring that you drink enough water and have a good oral hygiene routine can keep your teeth healthy.
Diet and Oral Health Tips From Your Columbus, GA Dentist
A healthy diet that contains these vitamins and minerals can help keep your teeth strong and healthy:
Calcium
We all know calcium can be good for your bones. This is because calcium helps remineralize the tooth enamel, or the outer layer of the tooth, and adds to the tooth. Calcium is particularly important for children as they grow because calcium can strengthen bones, teeth included. High-calcium foods like yogurt, cheese, and milk can help protect and strengthen the enamel.
Phosphorous
Like calcium, phosphorous helps rebuild the tooth enamel. They also help calcium absorb into the bones. Eggs, fish, and poultry are foods rich in phosphorus.
Potassium
Potassium helps regulate blood acidity. If the blood is too acidic, it can leech calcium from the teeth and bones, which weakens teeth and makes them more susceptible to wear, breaking, and infection. Tomatoes, avocados, sweet potatoes, and bananas are just some of the most common foods high in potassium.
Vitamin C
Did you know that Vitamin C can help fight bacterial infections? Vitamin C can impact common bacterial infections like gum disease and tooth decay. Citrus fruits like oranges are great for Vitamin C, although too many acidic fruits can wear down the enamel. Strawberries, apples, and leafy greens are good alternatives that contain Vitamin C.
What To Avoid
Now that you know what mineral to add to your diet, it’s also good to know what to avoid regarding your oral health. Being aware of sugar and acids in what you eat and drink can help prevent tooth damage or decay. Everyone knows that candy, cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats contain sugar. But sugar can also hide in drinks; be aware of the sugar content in lemonade, sports drinks, and energy drinks because they can have high sugar content.
The bacteria that cause decay and cavities feed on sugars and starches left in the mouth. Over time, these bacteria irritate the gum tissue and enter teeth, creating cavities and contributing to gum disease. Acidic foods and drinks can also damage teeth. As acids wear away the outer layer of the tooth, they can allow bacteria to enter the teeth, contributing to tooth decay.
Do you have questions about your oral health? Schedule a dental visit with us online or call (706) 407-4851.