The foods we eat and the beverages we drink can have an effect on our gum and tooth health. There are certain foods and drinks that can leave patients prone to dental problems. Harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches left in the mouth and can irritate the gum tissue and enter the tooth enamel. If patients do not thoroughly clean their smiles, they can develop cavities and gum disease. Here you can discover the worst types of foods and drinks for your diet and oral health in Lititz, PA.
Linking Diet and Oral Health in Lititz, PA
There are multiple common categories of foods and beverages that can lead to dental problems:
- Carbonated Drinks: Sodas and sparkling juice often contain citric acids which can wear down the enamel over time. There are also many carbonated drinks that contain high amounts of sugar. Sugar left in the mouth increases the patient’s risk of problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Chips: Potato chips are starchy foods. Over time, as starch breaks down in the mouth, it forms sugars that can hide between teeth. Like other types of sugars and starches, harmful bacteria love eating away at these components.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can dry out the mouth and inhibit saliva production. Saliva is important to wash away bacteria and food debris in the mouth. Patients with dry mouth because of alcohol consumption may also
- Candy: Candies are high in sugar, which helps harmful oral bacteria reproduce. Harmful oral bacteria feed on sugars left in the mouth and can irritate gum tissue or create holes in the tooth enamel.
Treating Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
We offer preventative care for patients in our office. The best way to prevent dental problems is to visit the dentist on a regular basis. We recommend that patients visit twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam. Patients who brush and floss at home will also minimize the chance of gum disease and cavities.
We provide dental fillings for patients who require root canal treatments. Root canals remove the infected dental pulp from within teeth. Once we clean and disinfect the tooth, we seal it with a dental filling. Dental crowns also benefit patients if they have worn or weakened teeth following their root canal treatment. Dental crowns fully cover teeth and help balance the bite.
Patients with early signs of gum disease benefit from deep cleaning treatments. Scaling and root planing help remove bacterial buildup from the gums and tooth roots. Antibacterial rinses also minimize bacteria in the mouth. We recommend oral surgery for patients if they have moderate to severe gum disease. Oral surgery can remove diseased tissue and supply healthy tissue to cover the tooth roots.
Do you need routine dental care? Are you noticing changes in your oral health? Contact Dr. Sara Gotwalt for dental care today at [new_patient_phone_span]. Feel free to schedule your next dental appointment on our website. Do not hesitate to ask us any questions you have about treatment.