How to Fight Tooth Decay with Diet

You’ve heard that eating a lot of sugar leads to cavities. But you may not realize how big of a role your overall diet plays in determining your cavity risk.

Here are a few changes you might make to your family’s eating habits:

Drink More Water

Beverages are a major source of the sugars that contribute to tooth decay. They literally soak the teeth in sugar for minutes at a time. Sweet drinks provide fuel for cavity-causing bacteria and they also impact the acidity of the mouth, which is what causes enamel erosion.

Cut back on sweetened drinks by encouraging your family to switch to water. This will keep the mouth hydrated and your teeth cleaner.

Eat Fresh

Fresh fruits and veggies are great sources of water (which helps clean teeth) and fiber. The fiber is good for your digestive health, but it also does your teeth a favor. Natural fibers in plants help scrub away cavity-causing plaque and sugar while you chew.

Who knew an apple a day could keep the dentist away?

Get More Fiber

Speaking of fiber, you can get similar dental health benefits by upgrading your processed carbs to high-fiber whole grains. The hearty texture can wick away bacteria and slows down plaque-formation, unlike simpler carbohydrates.

Say Cheese!

Dairy is the perfect snack for strong tooth enamel. Minerals found in dairy products such as calcium are necessary for remineralizing the structure of weak teeth. Cheese, in particular, is good for preventing decay since its tangy flavor stimulates saliva flow. Your teeth rely on saliva to stay clean and to soak up more minerals!

Want more tips on keeping your smile healthy, naturally? Visit us at Curtis Family Dentistry in Mooresville.

Posted on behalf of Curtis Family Dentistry