How does nutrition affect my teeth?
For many years good nutrition and a well balanced diet has been proven to be one of the best ways to maintain a good dental health. Providing your body with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals helps your teeth and gums stay strong and ward off infection, decay and disease. Harmful acids and bacteria in your mouth are left behind from eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. These include carbonated beverages, some kinds of fruit juices, and many kinds of starch foods like pasta, breads and sugary cereals. If you eat these foods be sure to brush consistently in order to prevent the sugars from depositing and accumulating on your teeth.
Will the food that my child eats affect their teeth?
Yes. Excessive amounts of starchy and sugary foods including potato chips, cookies, crackers, soda, and even fruit rollups and granola bars places your children at serious risk for oral health problems. The carbonation in soda can erode tooth enamel, allow your children to drink these beverages only on occasion and encourage them to use a straw; this will help keep some of the carbonated beverage away from their teeth. If your child eats these foods it is critical that you have a daily brushing and flossing routine in order to prevent tooth decay.
Good eating habits that begin in early childhood can go a long way to ensuring a lifetime of good oral health. Children should eat foods rich in calcium and other kinds of minerals, as well as a healthy balance of the essential food groups like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, poultry and meat. Fluoride supplements may be helpful if you live in a community without fluoridated water. Consult with your dentist before using these supplements.
What are the benefits of fluoride?
Fluoride has been held in high regard by the dental community as an important mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay. Many communities fluoridate their drinking supplies in order for the general population to benefit from an inexpensive and effective preventative treatment.
