Your daily oral hygiene routine goes a long way toward keeping your smile strong, healthy, and attractive. But, the truth is that your at-home dental care efforts don’t need to stop there.
One aspect of your life that can have a profound impact on your oral health is your diet. By making some small tweaks to your diet, you can help you smile resist infection and damage. Keep reading to learn more from our Santa Monica dentists.
The first thing to consider is what foods and drinks you should minimize/avoid. Many people have heard that sugar is bad for your teeth. But, it’s not just because sugar is “unhealthy,” it’s also because sugar actually feeds the harmful oral bacteria that live in your mouth. As soon as these oral bacteria get a little sugar, they go into a frenzy: growing and multiplying.
Acidic substances are likewise potentially harmful. Many of the foods and drinks that we consume every day contain an appreciable amount of acid: coffee, red wine, soda, and fruit juices, for example. The problem with acidic substances is that they temporarily weaken your dental enamel, thus leaving it susceptible to damage.
While it may be tempting to brush your teeth right after eating or drinking something acidic, it’s actually best to wait for 20 to 30 minutes, until your enamel has hardened again. Brushing too early can actually lead to enamel thinning over time.
In general, when consuming something that isn’t good for your smile, it’s always a good idea to drink some water, or rinse your mouth with water right after. This prompts your body to produce saliva, and saliva is your body’s natural way of neutralizing bacteria and re-mineralizing enamel.
As always, our Santa Monica dentists are here to answer any questions that you may have about caring for your smile at home, as well as professional care. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team by phone, or through our Contact Us page!