Tooth decay afflicts over 90 percent of adults and is the most common chronic childhood disease in America. This ailment typically stems from a combination of irregular or nonexistent dentist appointments and excessive sugar, fiber and starch consumption. These carbohydrates combine with bacteria to produce tartar and plaque acids that break down enamel. Eating a well-balanced diet may counteract these harmful effects and improve overall health. Balanced nutrition often starts with smart snack choices, while oral wellbeing can be contingent upon regimented home care and consistent visits to qualified professionals in Papillion La Vista.
Proper Care
Oral hygiene begins at home and continues with routine dental checkups, yet only 63 percent of seniors aged 65 and over attend the dentist yearly as compared with 64 percent of adults aged 18–64 and 85 percent of children aged 2–17. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day and flossing regularly can form a solid groundwork, especially after consuming detrimental foods and beverages. Replacing sweets with wholesome selections can also serve as a vital maintenance step.
Harmful Habits
Foods with high acid, sugar and vinegar content can soften enamel and accelerate wear. These may include
- grapefruits,
- lemons and limes,
- oranges,
- pickles and
- tomatoes
Dried fruits and soft candies tend to get stuck in hard-to-reach areas sometimes accessible only by a dentist, while extended hard candy exposure can exacerbate decline. Soda and sugar sweetened drinks, coffee and red or white wine can cause stains in addition to deterioration. Diluting and drinking natural fruit juices with meals may help to alleviate their destructive effects.
Smart Choices
Nutritious transitions don’t have to feel like pulling teeth. Have fun thinking up creative snack ideas, making lists and learning to read nutrition labels. Keeping the fridge and cupboards healthfully stocked can soon feel like second nature, and will likely make for more successful trips to the dentist.
- Seeds, Nuts, Grains, Meats, Tofu and Fish: Ingest healthy fats from sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts. Increase protein with turkey, chicken and sliced meats. Satisfy hunger with unsweetened cereals, bread, plain bagels and crackers and unbuttered popcorn. Safeguard enamel with phosphorus found in salmon and tofu.
- Dairy Products: Low or nonfat cheese, milk, yogurt and nondairy equivalents supply vitamin D, casein, phosphorus and calcium that can strengthen pearly whites and restore valuable minerals.
- Raw Vegetables and Fresh Fruits: Crunchy vegetables such as celery, kale, cucumbers, carrots, bok choy, okra and broccoli are often dentist favorites, as they necessitate chewing, stimulate saliva flow, clean surfaces and supply valuable minerals and vitamins. The sugar inherently present in fresh apples, pears, melons and canned alternatives can also satiate cravings.
Have fun by creating tasty combinations such as crackers dipped in hummus or yogurt topped with chopped fruit. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Preventative Practices
Nearly all foods and beverages contain sugar of some kind. Choosing items with minimal added sugars, reducing snacking frequency, eating occasional sweets only as desserts and keeping nutritious options readily available can serve as smart and valuable modifications. Conducting proper at-home care and upholding steady visits to a dentist in Papillion La Vista can also go a long way towards preserving healthy teeth, showcasing dazzling smiles and enhancing overall lifestyles.
