Learn More From Our O’Fallon Dentists About How Foods And Drinks Can Affect Your Smile
Taking care of your smile requires diligence and thoughtfulness, but right now you may be missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. Have you ever thought about how your diet affects your oral health? If not, keep reading to learn more from our O’Fallon dentists.
When you think about it, every single thing that we eat and drink comes into contact with our teeth and oral tissues. It makes sense that these substances will greatly impact dental health.
We’re about to talk about some types of foods and drinks that are bad for your smile, but before we do, there is one thing we should talk about that is always good for your oral health: water. Water helps to clear away dental debris and food particles, and it prompts saliva production.
Now, on the other end of the spectrum, sugary foods and drinks can wreak havoc on your smile by ramping up bacteria production. The same bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease love to feed on sugar; sugar is what allows them to grow and multiply. If your diet is high in sugar, you may find that it’s particularly difficult to maintain fresh breath; this is because oral bacteria release unpleasant odors as they grow.
Acidic substances are likewise risky for your oral health. This is because when your teeth come into contact with acid, the dental enamel becomes softened temporarily. Softened dental enamel is more easily damaged and infected. Soda, fruit juice, red wine, and coffee are all examples of commonly consumed acidic substances.
Although you may be tempted to brush your teeth after consuming something acidic, it’s actually advisable to wait for at least twenty or thirty minutes after you finish eating or drinking. Believe it or not, when your enamel is soft, the simple act of brushing your teeth may be too abrasive, and cause inadvertent damage.
Our O’Fallon dentists are here to help you make healthy decisions for your smile—give us a all to get started!