Concerned about your oral health and wellness? Worried that you may develop cavities before your next appointment? Our dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, wants to alleviate your fears. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, Dr. Elias III would be more than happy to examine your smile to determine if you have cavities. If Dr. Elias III does find cavities, he’ll most likely recommend either fillings or dental crowns to restore your smile.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about cavities and the best ways of avoiding them.
What Is a Cavity?
A is basically a hole in your tooth—often the result of plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar are an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
The good news is that you can do a lot to from developing in the first place, such as eating a healthy low-sugar diet and practicing good oral hygiene.
Foods & Drinks to Limit
Some of the biggest cavity-causing culprits are sugary and acidic foods. Below we’ve listed some of the worst offenders that contribute to plaque and tartar buildup.
Alcoholic Drinks
Drinks high in alcohol can dry out your mouth. Not only does this increase your risk of bad breath, but it also lowers your defense against cavities. The less saliva in your mouth, the less bacteria is being rinsed away from your teeth and gums.
Soft Drinks
Many of your popular soft drinks are acidic and contain high amounts of sugar, which is a bad combination for your smile. For this reason, our East Grand Rapids dentist recommends drinking sodas in moderation as an occasional treat.
Acidic Foods
Acidic fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are great in moderation. Not to mention, excellent sources of Vitamin C. But, we encourage you to remember that saying about too much of a good thing. Our recommendation is to enjoy these acidic fruits, in addition to other fruits and vegetables for a well-rounded diet.
Starchy Foods
Did you know that saliva can transform starches to sugars? This fuels the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth to produce more acid and attack your enamel. Starchy foods include white bread, potatoes, and pasta.
Candy
Candy is best enjoyed as an occasional treat. However, when you do indulge in candy, try to pick options that don’t stick around for long in the mouth. For example, dark chocolate not only tastes great but melts in your mouth quickly—unlike chewy candies that can stick to your teeth.
Foods to Help Your Teeth
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is a great way to protect your smile from cavities. When combined with good oral hygiene and routine teeth cleanings, you can significantly reduce your risk of decay.
Water
Let’s return to basics. Before you reach for a can of soda, consider a glass of water instead. Drinking water not only helps you stay hydrated, but it contains zero calories or sugar.
Dairy
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of calcium. Not only does calcium strengthen tooth enamel, but it also helps you maintain bone density in your jaw.
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that help keep your mouth healthy. Specifically, kale and spinach are high in calcium.
Other Vegetables
To be clear, no food is a replacement for brushing your teeth twice a day. That being said, a lot of vegetables have a “scrubbing” effect on your smile. Some vegetables that come to mind are celery, carrots, and broccoli.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Our dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, encourages you to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. You should also floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles hiding between teeth. Your smile depends on these daily habits to maintain good health.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment
Dr. Richard Elias III is proud to serve as your trusted . To schedule an appointment, please call (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
