A Healthy Diet For Healthy Teeth
Perhaps you remember hearing as a child the simple adage, “You are what you eat.” It may have seemed silly at the time – I mean really, who is going to turn into a piece of candy or a giant piece of pizza? While as a child this may have seemed outrageous, the truth of the matter is that what you eat does truly impact your entire life.
Everything that you put inside your mouth has a certain power of your body. If you choose to put in good things, your body is healthier and performs better; if you choose to put in bad things, your body is less healthy and does not function as it should. Good decisions over time have the ability to keep certain diseases and conditions at bay, while repeated bad decisions have the ability to thwart your health and ruin your life.
Avoiding excess sugar is one great way to protect the health of your mouth. Inside your mouth are millions of bacteria that take up residence every single day. These bacteria help to break down particles left behind after eating and drinking, and they are most attracted to the sugars in your food and beverage choices. When bacteria gather in large numbers, they begin producing a significant amount of acid. Acids eat their way through whatever is in their path, this being your tooth enamel and gum tissue within your mouth. By limiting the amount of sugar in your diet, you can limit the damage that bacteria can cause.
Acid erosion is another problematic issue within the mouth. Acid erosion occurs when tooth enamel is lost due to the chemical dissolution by acids. Alcohol, coffee, citrus, pickled vegetables, and carbonated beverages are high in acidic content. Over time, an excess consumption of acid can weaken the tooth enamel, leaving it prone to cavities, chipping, cracking, and extremely sensitive to temperature changes.
On the flip side of the negative effects, there are certain foods and beverages that can help to strengthen your teeth. Dairy products, grains, and meats can provide the nutrients that your teeth need to remain healthy and strong.
Dr. Wayne G. Suway encourages all of his patients to make the healthy choices in their diets for both their smiles and their bodies. Contact our practice today.
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1820 The Exchange SE, #600
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 953-1752
FAX: (770) 953-6470
Mon - Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMClosed for lunch: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
