Proper nutrition can benefit you in a number of ways; increased energy, improved immunity, glowing skin, mental clarity, and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. How often, however, do you examine how your diet impacts your oral health?
Your diet can impact your risk of cavities, enamel health, and gum condition. Healthy foods provide an environment that can impede inflammation and infection. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts are the ideal choices for oral health. Calcium-fortified beverages, milk and other dairy products provide vitamins, minerals, and calcium that helps with keeping teeth, bones, and gums healthy. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, will help clean your teeth and gums.
A healthy diet contains all the essential vitamins and minerals, and the most important mineral for teeth is fluoride – especially for children. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in, therefore adequate fluoride is critical.
Don’t forget, however, that too much fluoride is detrimental. Dr. Christopher Bowman can guide you on the specific dosage of fluoride for your child, taking into account whether your municipal water is fluoridated.
Even though adults’ teeth have already formed, fluoride aids in remineralizing weakened enamel to a degree. This effective mineral is applied to teeth during thorough dental cleanings at Christopher A. Bowman, DDS, PA and daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Bacteria that causes enamel-destroying plaque love a steady diet of sugar – from soda, candy, and even fruit juices. When enamel wears away, the teeth become vulnerable to decay, cracks, and discoloration.
Sugary foods that are especially detrimental are those that get trapped in the spaces between teeth and the little pits and cracks in the molars. Candies that are chewy or hard can lodge in these spaces and allow for the harmful sugar to have direct contact with enamel until brushing occurs. Sticky candy can also damage braces and retainers. More than one retainer has fallen prey to sticky caramel or hard taffy.
Be sure to brush after each meal and before bed. Moreover, remember to floss or use a water irrigating method to dislodge food particles trapped in spaces. By eating well, brushing properly, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods that stick to your teeth, you can have a beautiful smile for life. (And, hopefully, the physical vitality to complement that attractive smile and the energy to enjoy both.)
I’m Dr. Christopher Bowman, and I have a full-service dental practice in Charlotte. Helping my dental patients stay healthy is important to me, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want through development cosmetic dentistry.
We also offer a full menu of cosmetic dentistry services. Ask us about dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, and tooth-colored fillings. We hope to educate Yuma residents on what these procedures are and how they can help you to get the beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted.
Christopher A. Bowman, DDS, PA in Charlotte has been serving the Dilworth area including Myers Park, Cotswold, and South Park, since 1996. Please contact us at 704-337-8070 if you are looking for premium dental care from a local Charlotte dentist with the experience, expertise and personalized attention you deserve.
Contact Christopher A. Bowman, DDS, PA:
704-337-8070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1618 E Morehead St Ste 100
Charlotte, NC
28207
