What Your Family Eats Affects Their Smiles

Learn how what you eat affects your teeth from you Lexington family dentist.

Smart food choices aren't just a good way to maintain your weight and stay healthy. The foods and beverages you consume also affectnutrition your teeth. Dr.William Lee and Dr. Pada Chalothorn, your Lexington, KY family dentists at Thompson Lee & Chalothorn, offer a few tips that will help you keep your smile healthy.

Munch on a natural plaque cleanser

Apples, carrots, celery and other crunchy fruits and vegetables provide an easy way to remove cavity-causing plaque from your teeth and improve your breath. If your teeth are damaged or weak, it's not a good to eat hard fruits and vegetables whole because taking a bite of these foods can crack a fragile tooth. Cut them into small pieces instead.

Choose foods high in calcium

Keep your teeth strong by eating foods rich in calcium every day. The mineral is found in milk, dairy products and calcium-fortified juices, but other foods also contain calcium, including spinach, broccoli, tofu, almonds and fortified cereals.

Prevent infections with vitamin C

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, combats free radicals, dangerous molecules that can harm your body's cells. Eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries, tomatoes, papaya, kiwi and peas, help you protect your gums from infections and cell damage.

Limit or avoid these foods and beverages

Some food and beverages can damage your teeth or increase your risk of cavities, including:

  • Ice: Chomping down on an ice cube is a good way to break or crack a tooth.
  • Hard candy and lollipops: These candies bathe your mouth in sugar for a long period of time, increasing your cavity risk.
  • Acidic drinks: Sodas and lemonade contain acid that can eat away at tooth enamel.
  • Sticky candy: Sticky candy, such as taffy, caramels and gummy candies, are bad for your teeth. After you indulge in one of these treats, tiny pieces of the sugary candy remain stuck in the nooks and crannies of your teeth. Sticky, sour candies are particularly bad for your smile because they expose your teeth to both acids and sugar while they remain stuck to your teeth.

Making smart food choices and visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to keep your teeth healthy. If it's time for your next exam, call Drs. Lee and Chalothorn, your Lexington, KY family dentists at Thompson Lee & Chalothorn, at (859) 223-8987 to schedule an appointment. Maintain your smile by opting for healthy food options!

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