You probably already know that there are certain foods and drinks that can really take a toll on your smile. But did you know that there are also consumables that will help you maintain a strong and attractive smile for the long term? Our Toluca Lake dentists are here to walk you through some key dietary decisions that you can make for your smile. Let’s get started
Limit sugar
This one is easy—sugary substances feed oral bacteria, and allow bacteria to grow rapidly in your mouth. This increases your risk of suffering from cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. You want to limit sugary substances as much as possible, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Beware of staining substances
A lot of popular foods and drinks can leave color deposits on your enamel, and lead to dental staining and discoloration. Beverages, for example, like coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and fruit juices can all lead to dental stains. When you eat or drink something that is richly or darkly colored, rinse your mouth shortly after consuming.
Snack smartly
Snacking on “good for you” foods during the day can help you refresh your smile midday. Crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumber are not only high in water content (which promotes saliva production), but the physical act of chewing these veggies manually scrapes plaque from your dental enamel.
Fight bacterial plaque
Certain foods have been shown to naturally fight and inhibit bacteria production. Incorporate ginger, onions, garlic, and fermented foods into your diet in order to reap these benefits.
Our Toluca Lake dentists are here to give you any more guidance and information that you may need. Please feel free to reach out to our dental team by calling our office or using our Contact Us page!