Your permanent teeth are meant to last throughout your lifetime but with one stipulation – you have to take care of them. Your risks will change through the stages of your life, children are more susceptible to tooth decay but adults are at higher risk for gum disease. No matter how old you are, however, what you eat will influence the odds of holding onto your oral health.
Sugar is the enemy of healthy tooth enamel. The cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths feed off the sugar content of the foods that we eat to make the acids that attack your tooth enamel. Once the enamel starts to deteriorate the teeth become more vulnerable to decay. Bacterial plaque can lead to the infection that promotes gum disease.
Snack foods don’t have to be sweet in order to taste good. Cheese, for instance, comes in so many flavors and consistencies that everyone should be able to find a favorite. Cheese and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D which are both essential in an effort to preserve tooth enamel.
Other than a concentration on dairy, a general regimen of nutritious foods including daily choices from each of the major food groups should be sufficient in maintaining good oral health through diet.
If your dentist recognizes your risk as being higher than average for your particular age group she may recommend a dietary supplement for extra protection. Call Kendra L. Patterson, DMD @ 303-722-9504 for a thorough evaluation.