Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. Maintaining a healthy smile takes some work. At Lovett Dental Conroe, we love it when our patients perform the daily dental hygiene tasks that keep their teeth clean. However, dental care is more than simply brushing and flossing. The kinds of food you eat have an impact on your dental health. It is important to know the foods to avoid for healthy teeth.
How Tooth Decay Develops
Cavities are one of the most common tooth problems we see in our Conroe office. However, a cavity does not happen overnight. It is the result of a process caused by bacteria in your mouth.
Plaque bacteria develop in your mouth by setting up colonies in the crevices of your teeth and at the gumline. When these bacteria are exposed to sugar, they break it down to feed themselves. Acids are one of the byproducts of this process. If you are frequently consuming sugar, you are frequently exposing your teeth to these acids. The acids start to weaken your enamel, a process that can eventually lead to a cavity. At the gum line, this acid exposure will cause gum irritation and disease.
Know The Foods to Avoid for Healthy Teeth
If you have ever spoken with a dentist, you know that there are some foods that are bad for your teeth. Unfortunately, these foods maybe some of your favorites. Here are some of the categories you should keep in mind when considering your dental health.
Sugary foods: Pastries and candies may be enjoyable, but frequent consumption encourages tooth decay. If you are going to eat candy, avoid hard candies, and chewy caramels that give bacteria a food supply for a longer period. It can be helpful to take a drink of water after eating candy to remove some of the sugar.
Sodas and sports drinks: Sodas and sports drinks contain large amounts of added sugars. These drinks literally bathe your teeth in sugar. If you are going to drink a soda, consume it with a meal to dilute its sweet effects.
Starchy foods: Simple carbohydrates like potato chips and white bread break down into sugars in your mouth. They also tend to soften and stick to crevices in your teeth when you chew. Brushing after your meal will help remove this residue.
The Importance of Moderation for Healthy Teeth
Everyone has a sweet treat they adore. We are not saying that you should never enjoy a dessert, but there does need to be some moderation. If you are eating handfuls of candy throughout the day, you are giving bacteria a constant supply of sugar. By having some space between periods of sugar consumption, you are giving your tooth enamel time to recover and replenish itself. When you couple healthy food choices with good dental hygiene practices, you are working hard to preserve your smile.
Comprehensive Dental Services for a Lifelong Smile
If you do your part to care for your teeth, Lovett Dental can help you the rest of the way. We can handle the dental visits in Conroe, TX, for your whole family. Our office provides tooth care for every stage of your life, with a wide range of services, including the following:
- Pediatric dentistry
- Teeth whitening
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Periodontics
- Dental implants
- Braces and orthodontics
Our pediatric dental services include basic dental care and education for children. We can offer orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry to improve your smile. Our staff can also handle any dental emergencies and health issues of your teeth and gums.
A healthy smile will enhance your well-being. A professional dental office can give you the best smile possible. Contact Lovett Dental Conroe at 936-760-2400 to set up your next appointment.
