Glendale Dentist Explains How Your Diet Can Lead To Dental And Oral Health Changes

Written by Dr. McKay on May 28, 2024

If you’re already doing a good job cleaning your smile in the morning and at night, but you are looking for additional ways to boost your oral health, our Glendale dentists encourage you to assess your diet. Every time that we eat or drink, these substances coat our teeth and gums. So, what can you do to safeguard your smile? Keep reading to learn more…

Sugar 

Many patients have heard, at some point or another, that sugar is bad for their teeth. But why?

Well, we all have oral bacteria in our mouths; these bacteria cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. And in order to survive, and grow, these bacteria need fuel. You guessed it—sugar and refined carbohydrates are the best sources of fuel for bacteria. So, every time you indulge in a sugary treat, you give bacteria a boost. 

Acids 

Some of our favorites foods and drinks are actually quite acidic: things like fruit juices, soft drinks, and grains. When your tooth comes into contact with something acidic, your dental enamel is temporarily softened. The good news is that your enamel will re-mineralize after about one-half hour, but in the meantime, you don’t want to scrub or scrape your teeth.

Staining

If you regularly consume coffee, tea, or soft drinks, then you may notice that your smile starts to look darker or stained over time. Basically, any richly colored food can cause environmental stains if consumed often enough. The number one culprit when it comes to stained enamel is tobacco.

Our Glendale dentists are here to help you get the information you need to make healthy decisions for your smile. If you have questions about how different foods or drinks affect your oral health, we are here to help. Give us a call to learn more!