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The Impact of Food and Drink on Dental Health

Although brushing, flossing and professional cleanings are essential parts for optimal oral health, the overall process is more crucial than just going through the motions. Most people are unaware that they can optimize their oral health by simply changing their diets. There are foods out there that can clean your teeth while you chew them and others provide the essential vitamins and nutrients for healthy, strong teeth decreasing your chances of developing oral infections like gum disease.

Your oral health can direct connection to serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. This makes it vital for patients to understand exactly how food can affect their teeth.

Tip: Replacing unhealthy foods with healthier snacks that are better for your teeth helps to preserve your dental health.

Food That Strengthens Your Teeth

When deciding on snacks it’s best to pick foods high in phosphorus and calcium like:

Nuts
Milk
Meat
Cheese

Such foods give valuable nutrients to your body and can also help repair the lost enamel on your teeth.

When picking fruits, aim for those that are solid, such as pear and apples. Although fruits are high in sugar, those with higher levels of water reduce the effect on your teeth and mouth of the sugars in fruits.

Food That Is Hard On Your Teeth

Because of their convenience, try to steer clear of foods that are known to coat your teeth with sugar such as:

Bananas
Citrus fruits
Baked goods
Candy
Chips
Bread
Tomatoes

The sugar that is left in your mouth after eating these types of foods will harvest bacteria that will produce acids that can destroy your teeth over time. Keep away from sugar as often as possible to keep your teeth safe.

For more information on advice and tips about dental hygiene and the many dental services that we offer, contact our offices in Maple Grove, Minnesota to schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Richard Weimar.