It may seem like common sense, but it is important to remember the role that our diet plays in our oral health. With sugar being the main cause of tooth decay, our dental team would like you to be mindful of your sugar intake.
One of the biggest detriments to tooth health is the frequency at which you consume sugar. Eating sugary items every day is bad for your teeth, as is consuming sugar-filled items throughout the course of the day. It is recommended that if you consume a sugary snack or beverage that you finish it in one sitting rather than eating small pieces of it all day. By snacking all day, there is a constant supply of sugar that sits on the teeth, causing bacteria and tooth decay to form.
While considering sugar, it is also important to be aware of sugar sources. After all, it isn’t just candy that contains sugar. Many pre-packaged food items contain sugar as it improves flavor and increases longevity when packaging items. Additionally, there are many foods, like white bread, that turn to sugar when metabolized. These sugary sources can be detrimental to not only your teeth but also your overall health.
If you do consume a sugary item, you should keep it from staying on your teeth. You should brush your teeth after eating sugar, rinse your mouth with a fluoridated mouthwash and maybe consider chewing a sugarless gum. Although these tooth-cleaning options are helpful, it is important to remember that the best remedy is to avoid sugar entirely.
Dr. Rochelle Riley also want to remind our patients that acidic foods can cause irreversible erosion to the teeth. Acidic foods can include lemons, limes, grapefruits and more.
Call Northwest Dental Medicine at (253) 845-9507 if you have any questions before meeting with our dentists in Puyallup, Washington.