Friday, March 25, 2011

Which Foods are Most Beneficial for Good Dental Health?

Factors to Consider

Did you know that changes in your mouth start as soon as you take that first delicious bit? Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from the foods you eat to acids, and it's the acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. Beware…you expose your teeth to decay every time you eat!

The Healthy Choice

The smartest food choices for healthy teeth are: cheeses, meats, nuts, and milk. These foods protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to re-mineralize teeth after being exposed to harmful acids.

Some additional smart food choices include: apples, pears, and crunchy vegetables. These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars that turn into acids causing the weakened enamel. They also stimulate the flow of saliva which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles and buffering the acid.

Between Meals

Chewing sugarless gum is actually beneficial to your teeth as chewing helps extricate food that becomes stuck to your teeth. Sugarless Gum also increases saliva flow to wash away mouth acids. When you’re parched, AVOID sugary juices and sodas! The smartest beverage choices include water, milk, and unsweetened tea.

By being mindful and making the right decisions, you can minimize the acid produced by sugary foods and eliminate tooth decay!

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-Brenda Paulen, D.M.D

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