Archive for the ‘Dental Health’ Category
Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid for Good Dental Health
Dental decay is the most common form of disease known to mankind. It is a known fact that any food that contains carbohydrates, when left in contact with teeth for a prolonged period of time, can cause cavities. The normal micro organisms present in the mouth produce acid through fermentation of the carbohydrate. Unfortunately, we see this happen often. As a practicing dentist, I routinely advise my patients to maintain a healthy diet to prevent such problems.
It is important to remember that altering the diet alone cannot guarantee good oral health. But diet does make a difference when it comes to oral health.
The Dos and Don’ts
Food that contains too much sugar, like candy, leads to acid formation. That, in turn, causes cavities. Repeated exposure to such food can be just as bad as prolonged exposure. Sticky food, chips and taffy, can stay stuck to the teeth and be equally bad. The need for brushing teeth after every meal cannot be emphasized enough. Have children brush their teeth right away after they have candy. Flossing on a daily basis provides extra protection for the hard-to-reach surfaces.