May 2014 / MONTHLY ARCHIVES

We all know what to avoid when it comes to food and our dental health. What about foods that may benefit our teeth? Ideally, you want to focus on foods that are high in calcium and phosphorous which play a critical role in protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel. The most obvious of foods high in calcium would be dairy products. This doesn't mean we should eat ice cream every day! Low fat versions of cheese, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens and almonds are all great places to start due to their high calcium and other nutrient content. Phosphorous can be found in high-protein foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, skim milk and eggs. What about fruits and vegetables? Great question! Of course we want to eat more fresh fruits and veggies. They...

We all love them. Sweets, candies, cakes, muffins, cookies, chips and all other kinds of snack foods. Crunchy. Chewy. Sweet. Salty. Just reading these words makes my mouth water and ready for a treat. Unfortunately, these tasty treats don't just have empty calories, they are a cause for concern when it comes to your dental health. Many of these foods contain the sugars and starches that bacteria love to eat. After eating they 'process' the sugars, leaving acids on the teeth, leading to tooth decay. We can't just point our finger at snack foods, however. Drinks that contain sugar need to be evaluated as well. Sodas, lemonade, fruit juice, sweetened coffee and tea are all much more potentially harmful. When you take sips of your favorite sweetened beverage, you...

The foods you eat and the beverages you drink can have a direct influence on the incidence and progression of tooth decay, depending a number of factors. Is it liquid, solid, sticky or slow to dissolve? Frequency at which you consume sugary foods and drinks. Frequency at which you consume acidic foods and drinks. Nutritional makeup of the food you eat. Medical conditions like acid reflux or eating disorders which can increase your risk for cavities or weaken teeth. The natural forming bacteria in your mouth use carbohydrates (sugars and starches) for food. As they eat, they turn these in to acids. Bacteria, acid, food particles and your saliva combine to form plaque. Acids in plaque dissolve your tooth enamel to create cavities. When you reduce your consumption...

For the best dental health, we recommended that you limit eating and drinking between meals. Of course, sometimes eating between meals must happen. Unfortunately, most people choose foods like sweets and chips for snacks; foods that harm teeth by promoting tooth decay. If you do snack, try making nutritious choices such as low-fat cheeses, yogurt, fresh fruit, vegetables or nuts. This is not just for your dental health as it will have a positive effect for your overall health as well. When you look and feel better, you smile more and we always want to see you smile! Did you know that certain foods can put you at risk for cavities and other oral health problems? Avoid candies, especially hard candies as they are full of sugar and can trigger a dental emergency...