Think When You Eat!
July 21, 2022
As we all know, leaving sugar on the surface of your teeth can lead to tooth decay. It creates a habitable environment for bacteria to grow, causing numerous infectious problems within the mouth.
And while that is a significant aspect of oral health that needs to be understood, someone’s diet can also impact their oral health in other ways. Today, your Kansas City, Missouri dentist writes on the importance of a healthy diet in crafting a strong and healthy smile!
Tooth Decay
The first issue with eating candy or soda is the amount of the food left in the mouth after eating. Food particles build in the deeper recesses of the teeth, leaving food for bacterial growth. The bacterial colonies create corrosive acidic waste, which eats away at the tooth itself.
But just because something doesn’t look like a particularly sweet item doesn’t mean that it can’t be just as dangerous. Bacteria eat carbohydrates within the mouth, which means that things like potato chips or even milk can spur this growth. Late night foods as innocent as a sandwich is a big danger, as it tends to stick deeply in the teeth.
Nutrition and Oral Health
In order to operate efficiently, the body needs sufficient fuel. American diets, while rich in many ways, are also lacking in robustness. By monitoring the intake of food, you can ensure that you have all the necessary nutritional fuel for your immune system,
Beyond the issue of tooth decay, weaker immune systems can allow for periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, to grow and develop. This leads to gum recession, where the tissue pulls back, exposing the tooth’s root. By leaving them exposed, the tooth is much more vulnerable to any infection. Periodontal disease and its complications are the leading cause of tooth loss.
Isn’t Eating Healthy Difficult?
Appropriate nutrition is highly achievable, with minimal changes to daily life. Always speak with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. Initially, adequate water consumption is paramount. In order to successfully fight off infection, the body requires significant hydration.
And beyond that, when you drink water, you are less likely to drink another sugary drink. Even if you only drink sugar-free soft drinks, the acidity in them can harm your enamel. In addition, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are always great for your system. Each one brings a different set of benefits, so change up what you are eating when you can.
And with any oral health regimen, twice-daily brushing is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Daily flossing and an oral rinse are also highly suggested in order to maximize the cleanliness of the mouth. Be sure to see your dentist every 6 months to a year in order to have an examination and a cleaning.
Is There Something Else?
If you have any further questions, or to schedule an appointment, please give Dr. Lucaci at Cosmetic Implant Dentistry Kansas City in Kansas City, MO a call today at (816)427-4018.