Choosing the right food is very important not just for the health of your body, but also for the health of your teeth. Good oral hygiene can be affected by the food you put into your mouth, so it is definitely worth taking into consideration how your diet is made up. It is especially important for children to eat healthy foods so their teeth develop well and they also grow up with good habits.
Food comes into contact with the bacteria and germs that live in the mouth. By not brushing your teeth effectively, plaque can start to build up on the tooth enamel and gum tissue. This happens because plaque thrives on the sugars and starches found on certain foods. When the plaque is combined with the starch and sugar it can release acid which is the main cause of tooth erosion, eventually causing tooth decay and tooth loss. This acid erosion can occur for up to twenty minutes after eating which is a long time, especially if it happens three times a day, everyday.
Obviously, foods high in starch and sugar should mostly be avoided. Sweets and sugary snacks and drinks can encourage the build up of plaque and speed erosion. But even fruit and vegetables have some starch and sugar in them, so it is important to have a balanced diet. There is no need to completely cut out any food but be aware that some may be more damaging to teeth than others. It is also true that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid snacking between meals and drink plenty of water after eating. Central Leeds dentists have more information about what foods to eat and what to try and avoid for good dental health.
Advice from central Leeds dentist on foods to eat and avoid for good dental health
Foods to eat and avoid for good dental health – ask a Central Leeds dentist
Choosing the right food is very important not just for the health of your body, but also for the health of your teeth. Good oral hygiene can be affected by the food you put into your mouth, so it is definitely worth taking into consideration how your diet is made up. It is especially important for children to eat healthy foods so their teeth develop well and they also grow up with good habits.
Food comes into contact with the bacteria and germs that live in the mouth. By not brushing your teeth effectively, plaque can start to build up on the tooth enamel and gum tissue. This happens because plaque thrives on the sugars and starches found on certain foods. When the plaque is combined with the starch and sugar it can release acid which is the main cause of tooth erosion, eventually causing tooth decay and tooth loss. This acid erosion can occur for up to twenty minutes after eating which is a long time, especially if it happens three times a day, everyday.
Obviously, foods high in starch and sugar should mostly be avoided. Sweets and sugary snacks and drinks can encourage the build up of plaque and speed erosion. But even fruit and vegetables have some starch and sugar in them, so it is important to have a balanced diet. There is no need to completely cut out any food but be aware that some may be more damaging to teeth than others. It is also true that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Avoid snacking between meals and drink plenty of water after eating. Central Leeds dentists have more information about what foods to eat and what to try and avoid for good dental health.
Tags: bacteria, dental health, gum tissue, plaque, tooth decay
