How Your Diet Affects Your Oral Health

Protecting your smile from dental decay may not seem as daunting of a task as it truly is, especially if you are not aware of the vast array of factors that can actively damage your teeth. Indeed, taking care of your smile is much more involved than initially thought, and nearly everything can harm your precious teeth, including some of the foods and beverages you include in your diet. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI dentist takes an in-depth look at some items you should be wary of, as well as how others can actually benefit your teeth.

Water is King

While there are countless beverage options out there, nothing comes quite as close to the wonders of water. Indeed, water contains a tremendous amount of health benefits, and whether you are aware of it or not, it benefits your smile as well.

Ordinary tap water contains fluoride, which is a naturally-occurring mineral that is present in most tooth paste. You see, fluoride works together with your teeth’s protective layer of enamel to provide a strong barrier between your structures and the oral bacteria that threaten their integrity. Once enamel is gone, it is gone for good, so making sure to drink plenty of water can actually go a long way when it comes to your smile’s strength.

Not only does water strengthen your enamel, but it helps to keep your mouth clean as well. Unlike other drinks, water is zero calories, which means it does not contribute to plaque and decay development. To learn more about this process and the benefits of water, reach out to our team today.

Too Much Citrus

While fruits are a very refreshing aspect of many people’s diets, too much of certain kinds can actually become detrimental to your smile. Indeed, citrus items such as lemons, oranges, limes, lemonade, and many fruit juices all contain a high level of acidity.

These natural acids not only weaken your enamel, but they can weaken the tissues within your teeth as well. Because of this, our team recommends consuming fruits in moderation, then taking care to brush afterwards. For more information about this process, reach out to our team today.

Beware of Misleading Products

Even though sports drinks are highly regarded for their provision of electrolytes, bear in mind that things are not all as they seem. In fact, sports drinks contribute to increased risk of decay, as they contain high levels of sugars. Make sure to pay attention to your nutrition labels so that you can take the best care of your teeth.