Many people limit dental care to just brushing and flossing. They misconstrue these practices as similar to exercising daily to help counter the effects of uncontrolled eating habits. The fact is, dental care requires brushing and flossing and controlled eating habits. You need to incorporate a healthy diet with basic oral hygiene. That way, you can avoid cavities and other serious dental diseases. Dr. Barber and her staff at Alliance Family Dental in Fayetteville, NC suggests some foods to remove or include in your daily meals as part of your oral care.
Dental caries, also known as cavities, is a common problem brought about by poor oral hygiene. It is caused by bacteria that break down foodstuff in the mouth. Breakdown occurs when certain acids develop from the reaction of enzymes produced by bacteria with sugar. Therefore, to prevent bacteria from forming corrosive substances in your mouth, you must minimize your intake of sugary foods such as cookies and candies. They are the major offenders to your teeth’s integrity.
Starchy foods such as bread and cereals are also prominent culprits of tooth decay. You don’t necessarily need to avoid eating them, but minimizing their consumption can help reduce chances of tooth decay. Unlike sugar, which reacts with bacteria-induced enzymes, starch reacts with the enzymes produced by saliva, called amylase. The result is a type of acid that can, over time, erode the enamel and expose the sensitive layers of the teeth to cavity-causing bacteria. Dr. Barber in Fayetteville, NC recommends cheese and sesame seeds as an alternative.
Sesame seeds are an abundant source of calcium that preserves the teeth and the bones. Paleontologists point to this food as the reason why pre-historic people had very hard bone and teeth as proved by fossils aged millions of years. Cheese, on the other hand, is rich in carbohydrates and phosphates, which make it a perfect alternative to starchy foods. Alliance Family Dental recommends cheese because it lowers the mouth’s pH levels, reducing the chance for bacterial growth.
Fresh fruit like apples are also good for the teeth and gums. Known as nature’s toothbrush, chewing apples can help saliva production. Saliva plays a significant role in keeping bacterial growth levels in the oral cavity to a minimum. It buffers bacteria the same way fluoride does. Adding fresh fruits in your daily meals will improve saliva flow.
Choosing the right fluid to drink is also significant in your oral care as some beverages and drinks may not be healthy for your teeth. Fruit juices, for instance, can erode the teeth through its rich acid content in high levels. Dr. Barber and Alliance Family Dental in Fayetteville, NC recommends more water and basic liquids be incorporated in your diet instead.