Dental Hygiene and Diet

Everyone knows the importance of brushing and flossing daily. But did you know that your diet affects your oral health? What you eat and drink impacts the health of your teeth and gums. Depending on the products you choose to consume you may develop or fight common dental problems. Learn more below:

Oral Health and Diet Santa Monica, CA

Avoid Sugar

Bacteria that can cause tooth decay feed on sugar. A diet that is high in sugar can be a risk factor when it comes to tooth decay. After eating something sugary it is important to clean your mouth. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum can also help wash residual sugar out of the mouth and clean teeth. It is also important to brush and floss your teeth after eating sugary foods or drinking sugary drinks.

Enjoy Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich sources of calcium and protein, which strengthen teeth and other bones. Cultured dairy products such as yogurt can offer an extra benefit to patients in that they help eliminate decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. These products help keep good bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities as long as they aren’t super sugary.

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

Vegetables are not only a great source of nutrients and minerals but can also help clean and strengthen teeth. Leafy greens such as spinach are rich in folic acid, a nutrient that has been shown to reduce tooth decay. They also contain calcium, which strengthens teeth. Crunchy vegetables like celery have high water content and help clean out sugars and bacteria. Their crunchy texture also scrapes teeth clean as you chew. Crunchy fruits like apples also help keep teeth clean. However, it is important to brush and floss after eating fruit to keep sugar-loving bacteria at bay.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need a routine dental cleaning? Maybe you need a dental filling. Call Dr. Fabrizio Dall’Olmo and his Santa Monica dental team today at (310) 736-1051. You can also schedule an appointment online here. Our professional staff has experience in treating simple and complex dental cases, ensuring that patients feel comfortable through every step of the treatment process.

Articles By: Dr. Fabrizio Dall'Olmo