Dietary Advice

What you eat and how often you eat it, is just as important for your teeth and gums as it is for your general health. Food and containing starch and sugar react to the bacteria in your mouth and produce acid, which attacks your tooth enamel, causing decay. If left unaddressed this can lead to periodontal disease, which is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.

Plaque is the sticky film on the surface of your teeth which attracts food particles. The longer this remains on your teeth, the more acid is produced and the more damage is done. The more you consume products laden with starch and sugar, the longer your teeth are exposed to decay-causing acid.

Reducing the consumption of sugary or starchy drinks and snacks will help maintaining your optimal oral health. Foods such as cheese, fresh fruit, nuts and vegetable sticks including carrot and celery, make good substitutes for sweet treats.

Chewing sugar-free gum will stimulate saliva production, your natural neutraliser to mouth acid, however “grazing” on foods throughout the day produces more acid than you can neutralise. Rinsing with water after eating can also help.

Dental Pro can offer advice on the best dietary choices for you and your children.