Good nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy life, and that includes your dental health. Food and beverages first enter the system through your mouth. Your Stittsville dentistry practitioner will be happy to discuss the foods that can be detrimental to your oral health from the standpoint of staining and affecting the enamel, causing cavities.
Here are some items that can be negative to your mouth.
Soft drinks.
We all know that sugary soft drinks are bad for the system and teeth. However, it is not just sugar. The acid in most soft drinks will also affect the enamel, making it a double whammy. You can substitute fizzy water, and if it is flavoured with something other than acid or sugar, you are fine.
Wine.
A nice glass of wine seems like an excellent way to settle at the end of a gruelling day. However, this too is acidic and sugary. If you need to choose, go in the red. It will discolour your teeth but has less acid than its transparent counterpart. Another trick is to eat some cheese to allow the casein protein to strengthen the enamel. Don’t discount scheduling a whitening session with our office.
Sports drinks.
Sports drinks are designed for professional athletes. While your weekly workout may leave you feeling like you have been put through the wringer, you probably have not lost as much electrolytes and sugar as you think. They are generally high in sugar and sodium and frequently have added colour.
Some fruits.
Fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet. However, those same fruits have natural sugars and acids. Switch to a vegetable drink, especially if they come from dark, leafy greens. If not, at least limit the fruit drinks with added sugar and be sure to brush afterwards.
Coffee.
Coffee is relatively neutral for your teeth, although it will stain as long as you don’t add sugar. The same with tea. Both are caffeinated and can dehydrate the body. This will lead to dry mouth, which will contribute to tooth decay. So plain is fine.
Acidic Foods.
The best drink for your teeth is simply water. You are contributing to a good oral health regimen if you are well-hydrated. If you decide to enhance your water with a bit of lemon, at least use a straw, which will help avoid the acid hitting your teeth. Milk is another good choice since it will help strengthen the bones and teeth.
Need help with your smile? Contact our Stittsville Dentist!
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It’s essential to take care of your teeth and gums, not just for appearance’s sake but for your overall health as well. Our Stittsville dentistry clinic can help ensure you have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our staff. We will happily arrange a consultation visit to discuss your choices and options.