When taking care of our smiles, the most common oral health concern out there is dental decay. Indeed, this phenomenon affects millions of individuals every year in one way or another, and is typically the main factor that comes to mind when thinking about threats to your oral health. While decay is not something that should be taken lightly, there are still other factors out there that can negatively influence your smile’s health. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist takes a look at the effects that certain foods and beverages have on your smile, as well as what steps you can take to mitigate damage and prioritize your oral health.
Sugars Lead to Decay
It goes without saying that many people know about the dangers of excess sugars. In fact, oral bacteria that nestle in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth feed off of these sugars, which then causes them to produce a harmful acid that diminishes the quality of your enamel.
In other words, too many sweets and too much sugar will expedite dental decay and other forms of infection. This means that sugar should be consumed in moderation, and it is better for your smile to stay away from excess sugar when possible. For more information about this process, reach out to our team today.
Beware of Too Much Acidity
Maintaining a healthy diet is only one portion of a well-rounded preventive care routine. In addition to this, taking care to brush and floss properly at home as well as attend routine dental visits is a must.
Indeed, your diet has a much bigger impact than you might expect, as certain foods and beverages can actually be destructive if not kept in moderation. For instance, citrus items such as oranges, lemons and lemonade contain higher levels of acid than many other food items. These acids actively weaken your healthy layer of enamel, thus rendering you more susceptible to infection and decay.
Without proper care and maintenance of your diet, you can run into some serious complications. Bear in mind, that once your enamel is gone, there is no getting it back, and therefore nothing standing in the way of your precious pearly whites and every other threat out there.
Sports Drinks Cause Damage
Another offender that you might not readily expect is a sports drink. While sports drinks are highly regarded for their ability to provide necessary electrolytes, they also contain unnecessary amounts of sugar and sodium. What’s more? They also contain staining pigments that can actively stain your teeth and dull your shine.
Not only do sports drinks contain higher levels of sugar and sodium, they also contain acids that damage your oral structures. Indeed, your dentist will recommend that you choose water over a sports drink, as water contains natural occurring minerals such as fluoride that can actually help rebuild and strengthen your layer of enamel.
Learn More Today
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team today.
