Eat right for healthy teeth

Transcript

welcome to this edition of dental connections brought to you by Delta Dental of New Jersey of New Jersey’sleading dental benefits company and its foundation this series is designed to increase awareness regarding the connection between oral and overall health here is dr. Andrew Greenberg aperiodontist and participating dentist with Delta Dental of New Jersey you probably know that supersize sodas and candy are not good for you but did you know that starchy foods from p2 the crackers can also cause tooth decay what you eat affects your oral health as well as your overall health you might be surprised at some of the foods that could potentially harm your teeth if you’re looking for the culprit that causes tooth decay look no further than the sugars and starches when you take abite of these foods the bacteria in your mouth feeds on each of this turning the minto F the acids actually attack your teeth for another 20 minutes after we finish eating repeated acid attack can break down the hard enamel on the surface of the teeth lead to tooth decay you can significantly lower your risk for cavities by choosing foods and drinks that are good for your teeth that means limiting the amount of sugar starch and acid that reaches your teeth in first place instead substitute foods that promote good oral health for example fresh fruits and vegetables are lower in sugar and harder in water and fiber the fiber acts as a natural tooth brush and helps reduce the effects of sugar on your teeth choose foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits and unsweetened juices these help strengthen your teeth and gums so does the folicacid in vegetables like spinach and broccoli dark leafy greens and broccolial so have calcium which promotes strong teeth and bones Geary parks a great for your teeth to not only do they include calcium they have vitamin b12 which helps strengthen your gumsin addition milk is often fortified with vitamin D which your body needs in order to absorb the calcium watch the flavore dyogurts however they may contain a lotof added sugar there are some foods you’ll want to limit or avoid altogether your worst enemy probably sticky foods because they are in contact with your teeth the longest they also can sneak into crevices between key this includes sticky candies like caramel but also includes raisins and other dried fruits of course you want to avoid starchy sugary and finicky to that can also cause too today these include soda as well as other processed foods and beverages the important thing is to eat a balanced diet and make smart choices on every food group as you plan your meals choose foods that are good for your oral health here are some tips fill your plate withfresh fruit and vegetables lean meat sand dairy products limit the carbohydrates limit snacks between meals when you do snack high-protein choices like milk cheese nuts help keep you satisfied and are a good for your teeth avoid sugary beverages and snacks but if you must indulge have that with your meals that’s when saliva production increases and helps rinse food particles from your mouth use a straw to minimize contact with sugary liquid on your teeth when drinking of sugary drinks reach your mouth with water after wards to help the meat the sugar brush your teeth twice daily with a soft tooth brush and floss at least once a day make sure your tooth paste contains fluoride to protect your teeth good nutrition makes a big difference when it comes to your own health follow these tips to keep your smile healthy for alifetime