Food and Drinks to Avoid to Maintain a Bright, Healthy Smile
Maintaining a bright and healthy smile requires dedication and healthy habits. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, in addition to regular visits to your local dentist, is very important for your dental health. The types of food and drinks you consume also have an important impact on your overall oral health; for this reason, you should know the different types to avoid:
Drinks that Can Stain Your Teeth
If you drink coffee, tea, or dark sodas on a regular basis, your dentist may recommend cutting back or eliminating these items from your diet. Coffee and tea can stain your teeth, particularly if you are not in the habit of brushing or rinsing after enjoying them. Dark sodas can cause damage and decay in addition to staining because of the acid and sugars they contain.
Water is always the ideal beverage, both for oral health and general health. This isn’t to say that you cannot enjoy dark beverages, but you should enjoy them in moderation and ask your dentist what steps you can take to minimize any potential damage.
Starch and Sugar Can Encourage Decay
All dentists will caution you against the consumption of too much sugar. It provides an ideal living space for the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn can encourage the development of decay. What you may not realize, however, is that starchy foods can be just as devastating for your smile. Starches break down into sugar. This means that even though potato chips and white bread aren’t sweet, they can have the same effect on your teeth as candy and cake.
Starches and sugars are everywhere and can be difficult to avoid. Even fruit contains natural sugars. Talk to your dentist about the worst offenders and maintain healthy brushing habits to keep your smile healthy.
If you would like more information on a dental-friendly diet or you are looking for an exceptional dentist in the Nashville, TN area, contact us at Lenox Village Dentistry. Call (615) 800-2045 to schedule an appointment today.
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