Looking for ways to give your oral health a boost? Making some thoughtful changes to your daily diet can help you do just that.
This article is all about the ways in which refined carbohydrates in particular affect dental health. Keep reading to learn more about this very important topic from our Santa Monica dentists…
Before we get started, we should quickly review what happens when you introduce sugars and refined carbohydrates into your mouth. The basic thing to keep in mind is that oral bacteria love to feed on sugars and carbs. So, when you eat or drink something processed, the oral bacteria in your mouth use the component parts of these foods and drinks for fuel.
Consequently, oral bacteria are able to become stronger and more numerous in your mouth. As oral bacteria process sugars for fuel, they create acid and unpleasant odors as byproducts.
The more you are able to limit your consumption of sugary and processed foods, the healthier your smile will be. You can also boost your oral health by:
- Enjoying sugar or carbo-loaded substances at specific times of the day, rather than snacking or sipping continuously
- Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking in order to dislodge dental debris and jump-start saliva production
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Waiting to clean your smile for 20 to 30 minutes after you finish eating or drinking
Just as your overall health is improved by lowering sugar consumption, your smile benefits from a healthy diet. If you have additional questions about how foods affect oral health, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation with our Santa Monica dentists, please contact our office. We are here to help you make better decisions for your smile day in and day out!