What you eat plays a significant role in your dental health so next time you load up your shopping cart, keep your teeth and gums in mind.
The same foods that are good for your body are good for your dental health.
This means colourful fruits and vegetables with lots of fibre and nutrients.
Avoid those refined carbohydrates — they are loaded with sugar.
Without the wholesome nutrients from foods such as cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, it is more difficult to prevent gum disease or fight tooth decay and cavities.
When we eat sugar it enables the bacteria in our mouth to form acid containing plaque which causes tooth decay.
Cheese has the ability to provide some protection against the negative effects of sugar.
Like crunchy vegetables, cheese stimulates saliva which will clear sugar from your mouth; it also changes the pH level of saliva making it less acidic.
When we eat cheese or drink milk, calcium is released which prevents the bacteria in plaque for causing tooth decay.
Ideally we should brush and floss after each meal or snack but when that’s not possible eat raw crunchy vegetables or fruit and help yourself to some cheese.
To learn more about your oral health, nutrition and how it contributes to your total well-being, make an appointment for a professional cleaning.
Our dental hygienist will expertly clean your teeth and teach you the best method of keeping your teeth clean between regular visits.
If you would like to know more about preventive options available to help you achieve your long-term dental goals, please talk to our dentists and friendly staff at the Pender Harbour Health Centre.
We are here Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.