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Your Teeth and Your Diet

A well balanced diet is essential for your oral health. Foods to choose include those from the four basic food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and protein (meat, chicken, fish and beans). It is imperative to brush and floss daily and choose a variety of healthy foods to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Foods that stick to your teeth and foods that are high in carbohydrates promote tooth decay. When snacking, try to avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods and replace them with nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, and sugarless gum (to stimulate saliva flow). Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly (such as soda) can contribute to the erosion of the tooth enamel. Soda contains sugars that when mixed with the bacteria in the mouth break down into acids and adhere to tooth surfaces causing plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria constantly forming on the tooth surface. Foods that are high in carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as candy, cookies, caramels, bread, crackers, and cereal increase the likelihood of plaque build-up. Decay occurs when plaque remains on your teeth allowing the bacteria to “eat away” (or erode) the surfaces of your teeth.

Just because a food is nutritious, doesn’t mean it is good for your teeth. Foods such as raisins, pudding, dried fruits, chocolate milk, milk shakes and granola bars can actually stick to the teeth and when not removed properly will cause decay. It is recommended that you brush and floss after every meal. If that is not an option remember to rinse your mouth with water to reduce the amount of sugar and acid in the mouth.

Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com