You’ve probably been told a billion times that brushing and flossing are the best way to take care of your oral hygiene – this fact isn’t wrong, but there’s more to it than just brushing and flossing. Did you know that your diet has a lot to do with keeping a healthy mouth on top of keeping your overall health in check? We’re not just talking about eating less sugary candy here, either. There are many changes that you can make in your diet for healthier teeth, gums, and oral health.
How does what I eat affect my oral health?
As soon as you eat something, it starts to have an effect on your teeth – probably something you haven’t thought about before. The saliva in your mouth contains bacteria, which will turn some of the foods that you eat into acids. These acids can start breaking down your teeth and causing cavities if they aren’t properly reigned in. Acids will also stick around for a while in your mouth and some foods are much worse than others.
Which foods should I avoid?
Unsurprisingly, you should avoid sticky foods and really sugary foods (especially candies like fruit chews). Other foods that cause problems are foods that are high in carbohydrates, like bread and rice. Because these foods break down to simple sugars, they can also cause cavities and decay in your mouth. Some fruits also do the same thing. You should avoid super sugary fruits as well as acidic foods; think bananas and grapefruit.
Which foods are helpful for oral health?
There are some oral health superfoods that will help you avoid cavities and problems with decay. Milk is one of the best because of the calcium. Teeth are made of bone, which is strengthened by the calcium in dairy products; this also makes cheese a good option. Vegetables don’t have any harmful effects on your teeth and have many health benefits for your teeth and overall health. Chewing sugarless gum that contains xylitol can help strengthen your teeth and also remove the plaque that builds up between meals.
Some great ways to take care of your oral health are to make sure that you’re eating well, visiting your Catonsville dentist at least twice per year, and managing your oral health care routine at home. Contact Affinity Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment or learn more about healthy eating habits by calling 410-719-7900 or visit MarylandsBestDentists.com today!
Despite the advances in modern dentistry, an upcoming visit can often elicit groans and moans. However, the better job you do of keeping your teeth clean and healthy, the more likely it is we can send you off with a smile and “See you in six months!”
You may not know that the practice of oil pulling has been around for thousands of years, since it just recently started to trend again. What is oil pulling, you ask? It’s an ancient tradition that involves swishing oil (generally sesame, coconut, or extra virgin olive) through your mouth to kill bacteria. Swishing the oil for 10-20 minutes every day has been proven to kill bacteria and even help reduce instances of gingivitis. Once the liquid has been pulled for this amount of time, it turns white and should be spit out to avoid reabsorbing the toxins into your mouth. So now the real question: does oil pulling really work?
Anyone with a fear of the dentist or who simply doesn’t want to feel pain will blanch at the idea of having a tooth extracted, but sometimes it’s a necessary evil to make your mouth healthier. Getting an extraction doesn’t have to be a painful or difficult process, though, if you choose a dentist who specializes in sedation dentistry or who knows how to create a stress free environment in his or her office. There are a few different reasons you may need an extraction as well as options to replace the teeth after the extraction has occurred.
Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries performed. Most people’s wisdom teeth begin to erupt during their late teens or early twenties; some never have their wisdom teeth come in at all. If you’re getting one or more of your wisdom teeth removed, you probably want to know more about the procedure and what to expect afterwards.