What Do Pickles, Sodas, and Oranges Have in Common?
They’re all ruining your teeth! We usually think of foods like candy when we think of tooth decay, but foods that have a high acid content are trouble, too. They cause dental erosion. That’s the name for the damage done to tooth enamel by acidic foods and it’s more common than you think. In a University of Texas study, 1 out of 3 people showed signs of damage. So, here’s how to keep your smile safe. This is courtesy of the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice:- Cut out sodas and sports drinks. Regular soft drink consumption damages teeth faster than the body can repair them. Remember - it doesn’t matter whether you’re drinking diet or regular, it’s the acid that does the damage.
- Munch on apples, carrots, and celery. Crunchy fruits and veggies make your mouth water, and saliva contains minerals that repair enamel.
- Rinse before you brush. Brushing right away actually speeds up erosion - especially after consuming acid rich foods like vinaigrette dressing, wine and fruit juice. So rinse your mouth out with water before scrubbing them.
- Don’t skip your check-ups. Dental erosion doesn’t cause pain until it’s too late. It takes a dentist to catch the problem early.
If you have any questions regarding dental hygiene or oral health, call Foothills Dental Centre at (870)
865-7673. Trusted and proudly serving
Hinton, Edson, Jasper, Grande Cashe, Spruce Grove, Whitecourt and the Drayton
Valley.