Along with brushing and flossing, you should also watch what you eat while you’re staying inside. Choosing healthy foods helps limit plaque buildup and lower the risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how to choose better snack and drink options when you’re stocking up!
The Link Between Sugar and Poor Oral Health
Sugary and starchy foods taste delicious, but they tend to leave behind particles that cling to the teeth and become stuck between them. Over time, bacteria will consume these trapped bits of sugar and starch, breaking them down and elevating oral acidity in the process. At the same time, this process also creates a bacterial byproduct known as plaque, which coats the teeth. The buildup coats the teeth and begins to weaken and erode enamel, and also inflame the gum tissues, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Typically, we remove this buildup with a thorough dental cleaning, but right now we’re unable to offer preventive treatments, so taking steps to control plaque is crucial for your smile!
Choosing Healthy Options
Try to avoid foods high in sugar and starch, like cookies, candies, cakes, and chips. For snacks, try whole grain crackers, low-fat yogurt, cheeses, and nuts. Add more fresh vegetables and fruits to your meals. These options not only contain fewer sugar and starch particles, but they also contain essential vitamins and nutrients to help strengthen your smile, such as vitamin C. Keep this in mind when you go shopping!
Avoiding Harmful Beverages
You also need to be aware of your drinking habits too. Obviously, soda contains high amounts of sugar and is linked to tooth decay in people of all ages. But did you know that energy drinks also contain high amounts of sugar, as do many fruit juices? In addition, sports drinks, usually touted for their ability to hydrate, have a highly acidic content that could weaken enamel as well. When possible, drink more water and if you need a sweet treat, follow it up with a glass of water to help cleanse your smile. These steps, combined with better brushing and flossing habits, limit the severity of plaque buildup until we can see you for a thorough dental cleaning again. If you have any questions about keeping smiles safe during this time, then please contact our team today for more information.
Do You Have Questions About Maintaining Good Oral Health?
Our team is ready to help you keep your smile healthy and bright while you’re staying inside and staying safe. To learn more about avoiding cavities and other concerns, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
