One of the key aspects of the holistic dentistry we practice at Assure A Smile is the recognition that our lifestyle choices – including the foods we consume – have a profound impact not only on our oral health but our overall wellness. What we eat plays a huge role in determining whether we will be healthy or whether we will suffer from a whole range of health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes – and cavities.
When accumulated plaque forms tartar and bacteria on the teeth, it produces acid that eats away at the tooth enamel, causing demineralization and decay – a cavity. Cavities, of course, must be drilled and filled to avoid even more serious complications.
No one wants cavities, and cavities cannot be completely avoided. But certain food types are deviously effective at causing cavities and tooth decay. If you want to affirmatively reduce your chances of getting a cavity, try to avoid these three food types:
- Sticky foods. The bacteria which cause tooth decay and other oral health problems thrive on accumulated food particles which linger on the surface of teeth and between teeth. Sticky foods – unsurprisingly – are more likely to stick to your teeth and can be harder to remove. The longer they stick around, the more likely they are to cause cavities.
- Sugar and carbohydrates. When you eat carbs like bread, rice, or potatoes, the bacteria in your mouth crank up their activity. They feed on carbs and as bacteria metabolize the carbohydrates in your mouth they produce acids that damage the enamel on your teeth. Same with sugar. Brushing after eating carbs or sugary foods or after drinking soda or other beverages filled with sugar can minimize the damage and keep bacteria from thriving.
- Acidic foods. Acids in the mouth are what cause tooth enamel to wear away, eventually leading to tooth decay and cavities. While some people have naturally higher levels of acidity in their mouth, acids are more often introduced into the mouth through the foods we eat. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and similar fruits are highly acidic. Not that you should avoid these otherwise healthy and delicious foods, but you should eat them with water which can help dilute and wash out the acid.
Assure A Smile: Miami Holistic Dentistry
At Assure A Smile in Miami, we partner with our patients to help them develop healthy, natural, and effective oral hygiene habits as part of an overall wellness strategy and holistic healthcare approach. This includes being conscious and thoughtful about the food we eat and the beverages we drink. To learn more about the importance of holistic dentistry and how to develop healthier habits for a better you, please contact us today at 305-274-0047.
