Article by Gen Wright
Healthy Diet Equals Healthy Smile
While brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting your Joliet dentist for regular check ups are obvious steps for maintaining good oral health, many of us ignore other important habits that influence our dental health, like our diet. This means paying close attention to the foods and drinks you consumer every day.
The foods we eat and the frequency in which we eat them are directly linked to the health of our teeth and gums, especially when it comes to the development of plaque and tooth decay. Through a well-balanced diet and routine visits with your Joliet dentist, you can ensure the longevity of your teeth and your overall well-being for a lifetime.
Foods to Avoid
When plaque accumulates on the teeth, the bacteria thrive off of the sugars and starches that are found in many foods you consume. With time, the plaque produces an acid which begins to attack your tooth enamel, resulting in decay. Sticky and soft foods are one of the biggest causes of tooth decay and should be limited. The longer food remains in your mouth the greater chance of tooth decay there is. Rinsing your mouth right after you eat can help prevent plaque from developing, as well as brushing your teeth twice a day.
As a general rule, if it’s not good for your body, then it’s probably not very healthy for your teeth either. Your Joliet dentist can help you determine which foods you should avoid in order to maintain a healthy, radiant smile.
Eat Healthy, Smile Healthy
Our bodies need foods from all the major food groups in order to stay healthy and strong. Vegetables and fruits are two food groups in particular that help our teeth by fighting bacteria, removing plaque, strengthening enamel and freshening breath.
Tips for eating healthy include:
* Snacks. Eat fruits, vegetables, or cheese instead of sugar and starch, and avoid snacking between meals.* Fruits. When choosing fruits, it is best to choose those that contain more water in them, such as: apples, grapes, pears, cantaloupes and other melons. * Cheeses. Cheese helps produce saliva, which washes food particles away. * Vitamin C. Milk, vegetables, yogurt, and cheese are all good sources of Vitamin C to build strong healthy teeth. * Vegetables. Carrots, celery, and broccoli stimulate and cleanse your gums* Water. Drink plenty of water. It washes away plaque and food particles that remain trapped in your teeth.
In order combat tooth decay and keep your mouth healthy, continue practicing good oral hygiene: brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist in Joliet. Limit your intake of sugary, sticky foods, and incorporate fruits, vegetables and water into your daily diet. Good dental health coupled with a well-balanced diet can help ensure your teeth and gums are healthy for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dental Smiles of Joliet is operated by highly-qualified Joliet, IL cosmetic dentist, Dr. Samy Samaan. Providing a full array of dental services, this Joliet implant dentist is experienced in all aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry

