Everyone knows that a diet made of candy and sugary soda is bad for your overall wellbeing and your dental health. Most people don’t realize that other eating choices also impact your teeth. For example, even certain “good” foods can cause problems in your mouth. Also, eating at certain times of the day is better than at other times.

The problems with food revolve around plaque, a colorless, sticky substance that continually forms on our teeth. Combined with the bacteria in your mouth, plaque produces acid, attacking the teeth and gums. These acids break down the enamel in your teeth, a process known as demineralization.

When you eat carbohydrates, these foods convert to the sugars that help our bodies survive. Although this process usually happens in digestion, fermentable carbohydrates like cookies, cakes, and other sweets start breaking down right away. Even healthy choices like breads, cereals, and bananas fall into the category of fermentable carbohydrates.

Another problem that contributes to tooth decay is continual snacking. Sipping on a can of soda all day does more harm than drinking a can with your regular meal. Your body naturally produces saliva, which helps neutralize the acid and restore balance. If you want to snack, it helps to select options like cheese, nuts, and apples. These options encourage saliva production and promote remineralization.

Other tips for eating well and maintaining good oral health include:

• Brushing after meals
• Chewing sugar-free gum
• Drinking lots of water
• Flossing regularly

Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry for the whole family – Toronto Canada Dentist