Foods and Drinks to Avoid
- Carbonated Drinks – Carbonated drinks are known for containing outrageous amounts of sugar and that aspect coupled with the phosphorous and acids they contain, make for a corrosive environment for your teeth.
- High Carbohydrate Foods – Foods in this category are full of sugars as well, but another problem they pose is that they tend to get wedged between the teeth, the area that could be described as a bacterium’s paradise.
- Substances that Dry the Mouth – Substances like alcohol and certain medications will dry your mouth, which fosters an atmosphere that bacteria can flourish in and leave your teeth more susceptible to getting cavities.
- Sticky Candies – Edibles in this category cause two problems – they are high in sugar and are sticky. The sugar feeds bacteria what they need to flourish and grow, and they are the main nemesis to your oral health. Furthermore, the sticky candies attach to the teeth, drawing the bacteria right to their targets.
Practices that Will Protect Your Teeth
Along with avoiding the foods and drinks listed above, there are changes that should be made in how you practice oral hygiene, including:
- Tongue Scraping – A very simple method for protecting your teeth from cavities is to scrape your tongue, which rids it of bacteria that hide between the papillae and cab contribute to cavities.
- Rinse with Mouthwash – Another option you have is to rinse with a mouthwash after meals and along with performing your other oral hygiene functions. If a non-alcoholic version, it helps to keep your mouth moist and fight bacteria.
- Brushing and Flossing – Sometimes the simplest practices are the most effective. Such is the case when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth. By engaging in both at least twice a day, you place a significant dent in the number of bacteria that can accumulate and cause problems.
- Eat Healthier – Just as you fight the urges to eat the foods that cause dental maladies, you must be equally eager to incorporate healthier alternatives into your diet like fruits and vegetables. They have the amazing ability to make your saliva more alkaline, creating enzymes that coat your teeth and protect them from cavities.
With all of the information that you have now, cavities don’t stand a chance. The next step is to simply implement what you’ve learned and be sure to visit your Lake Forest dentist for regular checkups to guarantee that your teeth will remain as healthy as they can be.
About the Author
Earning his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Dr. Douglas B. Campbell has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years. A member of several professional organizations, he delivers care at Campbell and Schmidt Cosmetic and Family Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.