Tooth decay is becoming more and more of an issue in modern society. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the stuff they eat is often the main cause of the reason why their dentist eventually recommends a root canal.
Start the New Year off right by following these 5 simple things you can do to prevent your teeth from decaying and needing to be replaced:
1. Limit Sweet Treats
It is common knowledge that sweet food stuffs are linked to cavities. However, what most people don’t realize is that many regular food items fall into the ‘sweet treats’ category. Soft drinks, cake, biscuits and even fruit juices fall into this high sugar category. On top of this, many of the processed foods we buy off the shelves have a very high sugar content. Therefore, it is important to check food labels, and if you do indulge, be sure to brush your teeth and floss afterwards.
2. Limit Sticky or Acidic Food
Sticky foods, such as honey, molasses, and dried fruit, take a long time to be broken down by saliva, and therefore spend a long time stuck to our teeth. This gives bacteria in our mouths a longer opportunity to feed off the sugars in sticky food, and create cavity-causing acids on our teeth.
Foods that are highly acidic also have a devastating effect on your teeth. Acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruits, tend to escalate the process of tooth decay. Fortunately, these foods have less of an impact on your teeth when served in meals, and are not eaten raw.
3. Balance is Key
A healthy diet is a large part of looking after your body and promoting good oral hygiene. Making sure you get the correct amounts of nutrients on a daily basis, by including all the 5 food groups into your diet and limiting unhealthy food, will have a massive impact on the state of your teeth.
4. Don’t Forget to Get your Calcium
Although Calcium is not entirely responsible for the development of your bones and teeth, it does play an important role in making sure our teeth are strong and healthy. Eating green leafy vegetables, eggs and other dairy products ensures you are getting the calcium your body needs.
5. Be Aware of Food Items that can Stain Your Teeth
Most foods and beverages that have an extremely rich color, such as wine, coffee, tea, balsamic vinegar or rich sauces, can stain your teeth. If you know you are going to be consuming food items that can stain your teeth, it is recommended to drink water during or after the meal, as well as brush your teeth thoroughly after consuming the food or beverage.
