Dietary Advice

Sugar is the main contributor to tooth decay and gum disease and unfortunately much of it is hidden in our favourite foods as well as foods we presume are healthy.

Once you bite into food, you’re exposing your teeth to acids that erode tooth enamel for up to 20 minutes after eating. Some food has more acid than others such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, while treats such as chips, lollies and chocolate all adhere to your teeth for long periods. The bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth transform the sugar and starch from these foods into acid and it’s this acid that attacks your enamel.

Your diet has just as big an impact on your oral health as your general health, but you don’t have to live on celery and carrot sticks.

Just about everything we eat will have an element of sugar or starch. It’s obvious in some foods, surprising in others, especially savoury foods. But there are some tasty foods that can actually help your oral hygiene. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus, like cheese, meat, nuts and milk can help rebuild the damaged enamel of your teeth.

Vegetables and crunchy fruits like apples and pears are also good for strengthening the jaw muscles and for young children, can help with the development of facial bones.

Of course you don’t have to give up the foods you love, just limit their amount to limit their negative impact. It’s also a good idea to have a glass of water after eating sweet treats to help rinse your mouth and neutralise food acid plus increase saliva production, which your body’s natural defence against food acids.

The more food groups you include in each meal, the healthier your mouth will be. Eating a balanced diet and brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is essential to maintaining good oral health. You should also visit John Street Dental every six months for a check-up and advice on how to maintain your oral health between visits.