Proper nutrition can benefit you in a number of ways; increased energy, improved immunity, glowing skin, mental clarity, and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. How often, however, do you think about how your diet affects your oral health?
Your diet can affect your risk of cavities, enamel health, and gum condition. Healthy foods provide an environment that can restrict inflammation and infection. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts are the proper choices for oral health. Calcium-fortified beverages, milk, and other dairy products provide vitamins, minerals, and calcium that assists in keeping teeth, bones, and gums healthy. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, will help clean your teeth and gums.
A healthy diet contains all the vital vitamins and minerals, and the most important mineral for teeth is fluoride – especially for children. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in, therefore adequate fluoride is critical.
Don’t forget, however, that too much fluoride is detrimental. doctor Stephen Beveridge can guide you on the accurate dosage of fluoride for your child, taking into account whether your municipal water is fluoridated.
Even though adults’ teeth have already formed, fluoride assists in remineralizing weakened enamel to a degree. This dynamic mineral is applied to teeth during extensive dental cleanings at Beveridge Dental and daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Bacteria that causes enamel-destroying plaque love a steady diet of sugar—from soda, candy, and even fruit juices. When enamel wears away, the teeth become vulnerable to discoloration, damage, and cavities.
Sugary foods that are especially dangerous are those that get trapped in the spaces between teeth and the tiny pits and cracks in the molars. Candies that are chewy or hard can lodge in these spaces and allow for the adverse sugar to have direct contact with enamel until brushing occurs. Sticky candy can also damage braces and retainers. More than one retainer has fallen prey to sticky caramel or hard taffy.
Be sure to brush after each meal and before bed. Moreover, remember to floss or use a water irrigating method to dislodge food particles trapped in spaces. By eating well, brushing properly, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods that stick to your teeth, you can have a beautiful smile for life. (And, hopefully, the physical health to complement that pleasing smile and the energy to enjoy both.)
I’m doctor Stephen Beveridge, and I have a full-service dental practice in San Jose. Helping my dental patients stay healthy is important to me, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want through cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, teeth whitening and smile redesigns.
Beveridge Dental in San Jose has been serving the Los Gatos area since 1967. Please contact us at 408-267-2303 if you are looking for exceptional dental care from a local San Jose dentist with the experience, expertise, and personalized attention you deserve.
Contact Beveridge Dental:
408-267-2303
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
Beveridge Dental
3535 Ross Ave Ste 300
San Jose, CA 95124Beveridge Dental
4860 Cherry Ave Ste A
San Jose, CA 95118
Ross Ave Cherry Ave