Other than the neglect of your teeth and gums, improper diet is one of the most common causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Ask your dentist in Toronto (in fact, ask any dentist!), and they will tell you that staying away from sugar is good for your teeth.
However, its important as well to be aware of the different forms of sugar, and the foods that turn into sugar when they stay in your mouth for a long time:
- glucose
- fructose
- corn syrup
- molasses
- honey
- invert sugar
- refined carbohydrates (white flour products, white rice, white pasta) and to a lesser extent,
- whole grain carbohydrates
- fruit juices
The reason sugars (and foods that break down into sugars after sitting around on your teeth) are harmful is because when these sugars are combined with the bacteria in your mouth they become acidic and soak into your tooth enamel, thereby weakening it. This weakening leads to greater bacterial infestation if you don’t brush and floss regularly enough (brushing at least twice and flossing once per day). As this bacteria in your mouth increases, your teeth soon develop cavities, and your gums are at a greater risk of infection – which can lead to gum disease.
It’s also important to note that the acid in lemons, vinegar and sodas (both regular and artificially sweetened) can also damage your tooth enamel.
Beneficial Foods
There are foods, however that can help promote healthy teeth and gums.
Eat calcium rich foods such as low-fat milk, plain yogurt, cheese and nuts. Peanuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts are all good for teeth. Fresh fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin A and C are also a good choice, these are usually the dark green or deep orange varieties; carrots, papaya, oranges, broccoli, mangoes, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, spinach and sweet peppers.
The other important thing to remember, but which is often overlooked, is drinking water. Drinking plenty of water, throughout the day flushes away much of the food residue that would otherwise stay in your mouth and result in plaque on your teeth. Your dentist in Toronto will tell you that prevention is the key to having good teeth and gums, and diet, alongside regular brushing and flossing, is vital if we want to protect them.
