When it comes to diet, a lot of us get caught up in how to eat according to our waistline. Although that’s something that should be a priority, we often forget how diet affects other parts of our body. Looking after our teeth is about eating the right foods, yes, but it’s not just that. It also does mean ensuring that you go for regular check-ups with your Dentist in Naples.
To keep those pearly whites in top condition until you reach your senior years is something we want to aspire to. It’s not difficult either. It’s just about eating smartly.
Stop the Snacking
You’ll hear this a lot (not from cereal bar and chips companies of course) from dietitians and nutritional advocates. However, this reason has nothing to do with weight loss. Nibbling too frequently can increase the risk of your teeth decaying.
This is because when you eat, your mouth produces bacteria to breakdown your food and drink. Through this process, acid is a byproduct. Acid, which may come as no surprise, is detrimental to your teeth. When exposed to acid too often on a regular basis, your mouth suffers, and cavities can form.
Crumbly and sticky snacks are likely to get stuck in between your teeth and, unless you floss after every snack, this can result in teeth decay and cavities, too.
Balance Your pH
Maintaining a healthy pH balance in the mouth will help reduce bacteria and then, in turn, unwanted oral problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. It’s difficult to measure the pH balance in your mouth physically, but you can understand the logic to help keep it under control.
Eating acidic and sugary foods will cause your mouth’s pH level to drop beyond a neutral level. Constant exposure to low pH is what causes tooth problems to develop. You will want to maintain a relatively alkaline diet/ pH to keep bacteria at bay. Low acid and medium to high alkaline diets are good for bone density, as well as your overall health, too.
What Should I Be Eating?
Vegetables are good for your teeth. Snacking on raw veg is a great alternative to sugary sweets and drinks. Some vegetables do have high acidity, but most are alkaline, helping to balance your pH. You can always benefit from their high vitamin and mineral content, too.
You’ll be pleased to know that cheese is excellent for balancing acidity in your mouth. If you have eaten acidic food, having a little bit of this dairy product can help counteract the acidity.
Beans and seeds have high alkaline content and will maintain balance in your mouth. Nuts are also healthy to nibble on and don’t contain any sugar. However, be careful if you have sensitive teeth!
Don’t Forget the Drink
What you choose to drink can be just as damaging to your teeth as the food you eat. Coffee and wine are up there with the worst possible for your mouth as they are incredibly acidic. Any drink high in sugar is going to be like an acid bath for your teeth.
Try some unsweetened versions of your favourite drinks. Water is always a great choice for oral and overall health.
In Summary
Most of us aren’t as bothered about our teeth as we should be. You might be reading this because you’re concerned about the aesthetics of your teeth. If you’re worried about an over or underbite, getting braces for overbite might help.
If you’re dissatisfied with the way your teeth are looking and feeling, following these steps, plus regular brushing and flossing will help. Try not to eat after you’ve brushed your teeth before bed, either.
Your smile is one of your best assets; make sure you look after it!
