How Does Sugar Affect Your Dental Health?

Sugar does not damage the teeth, but when combined with bacteria, it causes tooth decay. Some kinds of bacteria feed on sugar and they produce acids that erode the enamel of the teeth. The untreated cavities are painful and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Visit us and our dentists will help you identify the best way to deal with sugars and learn how to maintain oral health.

Brushing and Flossing

Once in a while, we find that we are guilty of not brushing or flossing at one point or another. For you to be at par in dental health, it’s recommended to brush and floss at least twice a day. Plaque and tartar affect our teeth. It deposits in between the teeth and mixes with bacteria and, if not removed; causes harm to the teeth and can lead to tooth decay. Flossing is important because it gets to areas between your teeth removing the tartar and plaque.

Avoid sugars

At times, the body feels that it needs to intake sugar. Avoid sweets so that the harm done to your teeth is on the lower side so that you do not have to go through tooth decay or even tooth loss. Talk to the dentist and they will assist you in the identification of sugars that are not harmful to your teeth, especially those in natural foods like fruits. Turn to sugar-free substitutes so that you keep your oral health and the kind of foods you can use are natural yogurt and any sugar-free products.

Make sure that you visit the dentist regularly so that you reduce the negative effects of sugar. The dentist will take you through the effects that sugar will have on your general oral health. Our dentists are ready at all times to offer support and advice to you on the best foods and ways of reducing sugar intake.

Eating Nuts for Snacks Could Help Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Nuts are a delicious snack. Those who taste nuts for a living describe the flavor as sweet and buttery. A handful satisfies most midday appetites. They are crunchy. They are healthy. They are delicious. While not everyone can tolerate eating nuts, their delicious flavor appeals to many people. In fact, in recent years almonds have surpassed peanuts as America’s favorite nut. Did you know that eating nuts for a snack could help keep your teeth healthy?

Nuts Benefit Your Teeth

Nuts are a top choice for a snack. Almost all nuts are low in carbohydrates. Sugar and carbohydrates are the top two offenders in the mouth. Both ingredients can lead to a buildup of plaque, which is the first step in tooth decay. By avoiding sugar and carbohydrates, your teeth are less prone to cavities. Consuming raw foods, like fruits and vegetables, drastically reduces your risk of gum disease. Chewing nuts also reduces your risk of gum disease and nuts also helps to strengthen your teeth. Nuts can even remove bacteria as the texture of the nuts cleanses the surface of your teeth and increases your flow of saliva.

A Healthy Snack

Nuts can be eaten alone or paired with other foods to make a healthy snack. Everyone has their favorite trail mix, but did you think of nuts with steamed vegetables? Try tossing some pecans with steam green beans with a little olive oil and salt. Almonds can decorate the top of any favorite breakfast cereal which will enhance the flavor and texture as well. Walnuts can improve practically any salad. Nuts can even go inside tortillas with meat, cheese, and a vinegar-based dressing.

Call Our Offices

We like to help people keep their teeth healthy. Many lifestyle choices can impact the health of your teeth. While eating nuts may be one way to stay healthy, we would love to discuss other healthy practices at your next routine cleaning and checkup. Give us a call today at our Milwaukie or Oregon City offices!