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Do you find yourself using breath mints or gum frequently throughout the day? Do you snack often or sip on soda throughout your work week? If you do, these habits may increase your chances of developing tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up if you do not remove it from your teeth daily. One way to make smarter choices is to read the labels of the foods and beverages you have to make sure they are low in added sugar. Eating a well-balanced diet helps keep you from feeling tired, getting sick, being overweight, and having other health problems. Sugary foods Can be Extremely Harmful The most common effect of diet on your teeth and mouth is the development of tooth decay and enamel erosion. Foods that contain any kind of sugar can contribute to tooth decay, which accounts for the recent increase in sugar-free alternatives. If you do not clean your teeth properly after eating, plaque bacteria use the food sugars to produce acids that destroy the thin, hard outer layer of tooth tissue. Dental erosion is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by acid attacks on the teeth. As time passes, this leads to tooth decay, which results in cavities. Additionally, plaque also produces substances that can irritate your gums, making them red, sensitive and susceptible to bleeding, which can lead to gum disease - the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The gum tissues pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with bacteria and pus. If your gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth is destroyed, and teeth may become loose or require extraction. Almost all foods contain some form of sugar, including milk, breads, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Not all foods with sugars should be removed from your diet, though. Several foods that contain sugars have important nutrients that your body needs. Foods and Beverages that Contribute to Improper Oral Health If you eat frequently, the longer foods are left in your mouth and the more damage to your teeth can occur. Some foods are more likely to cause oral health problems than others. If you are to eat any of these foods, it is important to eat them in moderation. Such foods and beverages that contribute to poor oral health include: * Carbohydrates
* Chewy, sticky foods
* Sugary snacks
* Candy and gum
* Carbonated soft drinks
* Fruit and vegetable juices
* Sports drinks
* Acidic foods and beverages The number of people consuming sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks and snacks that contain little, if any, nutritional value is continuing to increase daily. Particularly among children and teens, eating patterns and food choices are important in determining how quickly tooth decay may occur. A healthy diet and good oral health go hand-in-hand and are the best defenses against problems with your gums and teeth. Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes will help vegetarians, or anyone in general, achieve a healthy well-rounded diet and a healthy smile. Contact your dentist in St. Louis for more information about maintaining a healthy smile with a healthy diet.
Dr. Robert Thomure, St. Louis cosmetic dentist, is trained in full-mouth reconstruction. He continues to maintain up-to-date knowledge of cosmetic dentistry through continuing his professional education at the LSU Center for Adv. Dental Studies. Dr. Thomure, St. Louis dentist, provides Geneva 2000 denture services, Invisalign, whitening, TMJ services and a full array of other services.
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