Eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients is a key aspect to keeping your body and smile healthy and strong! Eating healthy also involves limiting sugary foods and beverages that can increase your risk of dental disease, such as cavities and gum disease.
Sugar-Filled Foods & Drinks
When sugar is consumed, the bacteria in the mouth eat the sugar and produce damaging acid that can erode your tooth enamel and irritate your gums. You are significantly more susceptible to developing cavities and gum disease if you consume a lot of sugary food and drinks, especially if you graze throughout the day and/or are always sipping on a sugary drink. Some of the foods and drinks you should limit are:
- Sugary Breakfast Cereal
- Potato Chips
- Candy
- Cookies, Cakes, and Pastries
- Canned Fruit in Sugar Syrup
- Jelly
- Syrup
- Sugary Coffee Drinks
- Sodas
- Sweet Tea
- Juice
- Sugary Sports Drinks
- Dried Fruit
Consume Cavity-Causing Foods in Moderation
Consume nutrient-dense foods and drink water whenever possible. However, just because a food or drink contains sugar doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it from time to time in moderation.
If you’re planning on eating or drinking something with sugar, there are a few steps you can take to protect your smile. After you finish eating or drinking, swish water around in your mouth to rinse away the sugary residue. You should also brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss every day. Remember to brush your tongue too!
Schedule Your Biannual Dental Cleaning!
In conjunction with a healthy diet, regular dental visits can also improve your oral health! The American Dental Association advises patients to get a biannual dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. Professional dental cleanings remove any plaque and tartar buildup to prevent dental disease. After your dental cleaning, your dentist will perform a visual exam to check for any dental issues.
We’d love to help you maintain a healthy, happy smile with our comprehensive oral health services at Broadway Dental of Pearland. Please contact our office to schedule your biannual checkup and cleaning!
