Take a Bite into Good Oral Health

When you're about to take a bite, it could be a good idea to consider if the food you're eating is helping or hurting your bite itself. A healthy, balanced diet is not only important for your body, but for your teeth and gums as well. At Macon Smiles in North Macon you can connect with our experienced family dentists to know more.

How Do Your Eating Habits Affect Your Oral Health?

Some things you consume can do your smile more harm than good. Highly acidic or sugary items, like sodas and candies, are commonly known to be bad for teeth. Perhaps lesser considered are coffee and tea, which not only can stain your teeth, but contain caffeine, which tends to dry the mouth, potentially leading to bad breath and promotion of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Even fruit juices, which tend to be thought of as healthier choices, can be detrimental to your smile due to their acidity and high sugar content.

Some fruit choices - especially dried, sticky fruits - can cling to tooth surfaces and crevices, prolonging the enamel's exposure to sugars, acids, and harmful bacteria, unless particular attention is paid to brushing and flossing it away.

Additionally, even though vitamin C has an important role in collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of your gums and supporting structures - and while citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can be part of a balanced diet - it's still good to be aware that such fruits contain citric acid that can lead to dental erosion or possibly create discomfort for mouth sores, ulcers, or irritated gums.

Starchy food choices like pastas, breads, chips, and crackers can form a sticky paste when chewed that can lodge in crevices of the teeth. As your saliva breaks down these foods, they turn into sugars that can be just as bad for your oral health as sweets.

What Are The Most Beneficial Foods to Eat?

Just as there are foods and drinks that may be considered bad for your teeth, there are also some which can be helpful. Foods rich in calcium. phosphorus, vitamins C and D, as well as natural foods with a crunchy texture or antibacterial properties are excellent choices. For healthy teeth and gums, look for-

• Leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, and collards that are high in calcium, folic acid, fiber, and vitamin C, which help build stronger teeth. They are packed with vitamins and minerals to support good oral health.
   
• Cheeses, which not only contain calcium that promotes healthy teeth and gums, but also contain casein, which strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.
   
• Dairy products that contain calcium and phosphorus, which can strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay.
   
• Water, which helps by rinsing away food particles, sugars, acids, and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Staying hydrated is important for saliva production, which plays a critical role in maintaining good oral health.
   
• Other crunchy vegetables and fruits, as well as fatty fish, which are good for teeth and gums.

The key, as ever, is to enjoy all things, but in moderation, and to be proactive in rinsing, brushing, and flossing to keep tooth surfaces and gums clean. Visit your North Macon dentist regularly at Macon Smiles, and discuss a healthy eating plan with your physician or dietician.

Simply, before you consume anything, pause to consider if that bite will be good for your bite. What you eat and drink do matter - not only for your body, but also your smile. Visit North Macon Family Dentistry for an answer to your question. Book an appointment now!