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While brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting your New Paltz dentist for regular check ups are obvious steps for maintaining good oral health, many of us ignore other important habits that influence our dental health, like our diet. This means paying close attention to the foods and drinks you consumer every day. The foods we eat and the frequency in which we eat them are directly linked to the health of our teeth and gums, especially when it comes to the development of plaque and tooth decay. Through a well-balanced diet and routine visits with your New Paltz dentist, you can ensure the longevity of your teeth and your overall well-being for a lifetime. Foods that Lead to Tooth Decay When plaque accumulates on the teeth, the bacteria thrive off of the sugars and starches that are found in many foods you consume. With time, the plaque produces an acid which begins to attack your tooth enamel, resulting in decay. Any foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar can cause damage to teeth as the presence of sugar in the mouth accelerates decay. With that being said, limit your intake of sugary items, like candies, cakes, sodas and cookies. And stay away from sticky foods, such as caramel, that cling to the surface of teeth. As a general rule, if it's not good for your body, then it's probably not very healthy for your teeth either. Your New Paltz dentist can help you determine which foods you should avoid in order to maintain a healthy, radiant smile. Healthy Foods for Healthy Smiles Just as certain foods can have a harmful impact on our teeth, other foods can actually fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen enamel and freshen breath. And just as fruits and vegetables are good for your body, they are also the best food options for your teeth and gums. Healthy food choices include:
• Fruits: Tart, crisp fruit, like apples, increases your flow of saliva and rinses away bacteria that cause plaque buildup.
• Vegetables: Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery stimulate and cleanse your gums. They are also rich in Vitamin C which helps stimulate and rejuvenate gum tissue.
• Calcium: Calcium-rich foods like cheese and yogurt help build strong, healthy teeth. Cheese also neutralizes the acids in your mouth, increases saliva flow, washes away food particles and other debris.
• Water: The best drink for your teeth, as well as your body, is water. Water cleanses your mouth and washes away plaque and debris trapped in your teeth. A healthy, well-balanced diet must also be complemented by good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing and flossing and routine visits to your New Paltz dentist. Combined with healthy food choices, you can greatly reduce your risk of tooth decay and other dental diseases in order to keep your teeth looking and feeling their very best.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Marlin Schwartz, a family dentist in New Paltz. Providing comprehensive dental care including dental implants, Invisalign and veneers, Dr. Schwartz also serves patients in the surrounding areas and is a highly-regarded dentist in Highland, Rosendale and Clintondale.
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