Diet and Dental Decay

Diet and Dental Decay
By Dr Simran Patheja
Brushing two times a day is a mantra instilled in many of us since we can remember. It is such an important tool in preventing dental decay. However, the bacteria that we mechanically brush and floss off isn’t the only causative factor in dental decay!
Diet plays a massive role in the formation of decay, and should be assessed not just to protect your waistline but your teeth as well! We’ve put together a quick and simple list to help guide our valued patients reduce their risk of decay (alongside brushing and flossing of course).
· Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruit and vegetables.
· Dairy products like milk and cheese are great to eat alongside other “bad” foods containing acid and sugar, or simply as snacks throughout the day
· Raw fruit or vegetables added to meals can increase salivary flow
· Don’t put sugar in your tea and coffee (or use artificial sweeteners)
· Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day (every time you eat or drink anything other than water, ‘plaque’ bacteria attack your teeth!)
· Rinse your mouth with water, chew sugarless gum and eat dairy products such as cheese after eating bread, sugars etc
· Sugarless gum is great to chew between meals – it stimulates saliva and saliva protects the teeth!
· Drink quickly, rather than sip slowly, sweetened or acidic beverages and the wash your mouth out with water
· Always try to avoid putting your infant or child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice or any beverage other than water
Here’s a quick list of foods and drinks with a low potential to cause dental decay:
· Pasta, rich, starchy staple foods
· Cheese, plain milk
· Fibrous foods (like raw veggies)
· Fresh fruit (whole fruit not juices!)
· Nuts
· Sugar free gum
· Water
· Unsweetened tea and coffee
We at Raceview Dental Surgery put a high emphasis on the prevention of dental decay and we hope this has helped to give a few tips and tricks on reducing your risk of it!
Our friendly team at Raceview Dental Surgery are here to help and understand that patient care is the key to a healthier mouth! Please call us on 07 3202 4566 to book your appointment.