Learn More From Our Glendale Dentist About How Foods And Drinks Affect Oral Health

Written by Dr. McKay on Sep 27, 2016

Your smile puts up with a lot every day! Everything that you eat or drink comes into contact with your natural teeth; the truth is that different foods and drinks affect your teeth in various ways. Once you understand how different substances affect oral health, you can make the right decisions for your smile.

Let’s start by talking about some of the things that can lead to dental damage and oral health problems.

· Substances with high sugar contents feed oral bacteria, and can lead to increased dental plaque and tartar.

· Acidic foods and drinks weaken teeth and can actually cause dental enamel to thin over time

· Chewing on hard or abrasive substances (like ice, mints, or hard candies) can lead to micro-chips in the patient’s enamel. These compromised spots become hotbeds for bacteria accumulation, and can widen and intensify over time.

There are also foods and drinks that can actually help your smile stay healthy over time:

· Water consumption is great for you overall oral health. When you stay hydrated, your body is able to produce saliva, which naturally re-mineralizes enamel and neutralizes harmful bacteria. Plus the simple act of drinking water helps to dislodge dental bacteria and debris.

· Chewing on crunchy vegetables, like carrots, cucumbers, and celery, can scrape plaque off of dental enamel. Additionally, because these veggies are water-rich, they support oral health.

· There are also a number of foods that can inhibit bacteria production: garlic, cabbage, onions, ginger, and many fermented foods. Adding these substances into your regular diet may help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Our Glendale dentists are happy to provide you with any additional information that you may need regarding how foods and drinks affect oral health. Please call our office, or use the Contact Us page on our website, in order to reach out!