Everyone knows that you should avoid sugar if you want healthy teeth, but there are many other foods and beverages that can compromise your oral health. Certain dietary choices can put you at a greater risk for gum disease and gingivitis as well as wear away your enamel and cause cavities.
Your diet affects every facet of your body, and your teeth are no different. Following these tips can help you prevent childhood tooth decay in your little ones as well as keep your own teeth strong and healthy.
Avoid High-Sugar Snacks
Many kid-friendly snacks are loaded with shocking amounts of sugar. Fruit snacks, gummies and even cereal bars may contain high quantities of sugar that settle on your children’s teeth and put them at a high risk of developing cavities.
Children between ages 2 and 18 should have no more than 25 grams of sugar a day. Not only does this protect their teeth, but limiting sugar intake to fewer than six teaspoons a day also reduces the risk of heart disease.
Adult women should follow the same limit, but men can extend their intake up to 37.5 grams. As an alternative, choose natural sources of sugar that are just as satisfying. Bananas, apples and oranges are excellent fresh fruits that are packed with fiber to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Cut Back on Bread
Bread is a staple in many households, but be careful how much you consume. The starches in bread break down in saliva and can lead to cavities. Instead of white bread, we suggest buying whole grain, which is harder to break down and contains less added sugar.
Reduce Alcohol and Soda Intake
Both alcohol and soda dry out your mouth and prevent your saliva from removing bacteria and food residue. When you do enjoy a drink, use a straw to avoid contact with your teeth and make sure you follow up any alcoholic beverage or soda with a fluoride mouth rinse.
Protect Your Family’s Teeth
The right diet is one part of preventive dental care; the other is regular cleanings and oral health services from skilled dentists you can trust. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our passionate, personable orthodontists!