Keep Up with Your Oral Health

Diet plays a major role in oral health. People often underestimate the negative effects that sugary food has on the mouth. For starters, sugar is the primary ingredient that bacteria break down. Eventually, sugar components are broken down into particles that degenerate enamel of teeth. It is nearly impossible to eliminate bacteria from the mouth, but it is feasible to limit sugar intake. Ideally, the best sources of sugar are fruit and vegetables. Soda drinks and pastries should be restricted in order to prevent common dental cavities that require fillings or even root canals for deep infections.

The temperature of food can also influence oral health in several ways. Hot food could burn the gum lines and lead to painful blisters and sores. The tongue and interior lining of cheeks are very sensitive to hot food or drinks. Make sure you wait long enough for your plates or cups to cool down. Open sores in the mouth are vulnerable to infections that can spread to other tissue in the jaw. Frozen food should be thawed before consumption because it can create painful sensations in teeth that have small cavities or caries. Ice cubes should not be chewed like snacks because they can create painful sensations especially when in contact with teeth that are due for fillings.

Hard food also poses some major risks to oral health. For example, nut shells might partially chip or crack front teeth such as the incisors. Care should be taken when eating shells and meat that has some bones.

Good brushing habits can minimize the accumulation of food particles that get broken down into acidic components that eat away enamel. Before going to bed, teeth should be brushed thoroughly and then flossed. Mouthwash can be used to flush away any small particles that remain stuck in between teeth.

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