It is important to brush and floss teeth and gums twice a day. Twice a year, patients should also visit their dentist for routine dental cleaning. However, many patients aren’t aware of how their diet affects their teeth and gums. A bad diet can impact your oral health by causing the buildup of bacteria and plaque, leading to tooth decay.
Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht and his team at North Meridian Dental Excellence not only offer routine dental cleanings but are dedicated to ensuring their patients are maintaining their oral health outside of the office.
Here are several tips for creating a diet that benefits both your physical and oral health:
Avoid Sugar
Bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on sugar. A diet that is high in sugar can be a risk factor when it comes to tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks are okay in moderation. Fruits are rich in nutrients but also in sugar. It is important to brush your teeth whether you’re eating candy or fruit because the sugar can cause tooth decay in both cases. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum can help wash residual sugar out of the mouth and clean teeth.
Consume Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich sources of calcium and protein that strengthen teeth. Cultured dairy such as yogurt is probiotic and helps develop good bacteria in the mouth to crowd out bad bacteria that cause decay.
Eat Vegetables
Vegetables are a great source of nutrients and minerals. Leafy greens like spinach contain folic acid, a nutrient that helps reduce tooth decay, as well as calcium, which strengthens bones, including teeth. Crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery have high water content which cleans out sugars and bacteria. Their crunchy texture also scrapes teeth clean as they are chewed.
Request an Appointment
Do you need a new dentist? Looking for more oral health tips? Dr. Ahlbrecht performs routine dental cleanings in his Indianapolis office. Call North Meridian Dental Excellence for comprehensive care today at 317.204.7134. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our dentists on our website.