Oral Health
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Your diet is important in maintaining good oral health and is important in the prevention of cavities. The foods that you choose and how often you eat them will affect your overall health as well as the health of your teeth and gums. Changes will start to take place the minute you eat certain foods. Bacteria in the mouth start to covert the carbohydrates form the foods into acids. It is these acids that will begin to attack the enamel on your teeth which starts the decay process.
If you consume too many sugary foods including sugar filled soft drinks and sweetened fruit drinks without regular brushing, you could be at risk of tooth decay. The good news is, however, it is preventable.
Wise Food Choices
For healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink. The key is to eat a diet that is balanced.
Foods that are poor choices for mouth health include the following:
- Lollipops
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Muffins
- Cakes
- Pies
- Sultanas
These foods stick to the teeth providing a great fuel source for bacteria. Your teeth will need to be brushed once these foods are eaten.
Tooth and Gum Care Tips:
- Brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day
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- Floss at least once per day
- Visit your dentist 6 monthly
- Eat a variety of healthy foods to maintain overall health
- Eat fewer sugary foods and high starchy foods between meals
- Choose healthy snack foods such as raw vegetables, nuts and seeds, plain yoghurt, or fruit
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups:
- Whole grains
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Lean source of protein such as poultry, fish, beans and other legumes, lean beef
- Dairy foods
- Nuts and seeds.
For healthy dental health, always remember to brush twice a day, as well as floss and visit your dentist regularly. A dentist can help to prevent any oral issues from occurring and is able to catch those that have reached their initial stage.
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