Healthy Foods that Are Not So Healthy for Teeth

Those healthy foods that are getting your body back in shape for summer may be awesome for your diet, but unfortunately, not so much for your teeth. According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, some healthy foods that you enjoy may not be the best for your teeth and gums.

Are those healthy carbs really healthy?

You may have cut out white flour, white bread, potatoes and white rice, but the wheat and whole grain alternatives are just as bad when it comes to your teeth. Because you metabolize carbs into sugar through your saliva, you are still producing acids that will wear away the enamel on your teeth. Whole grains are just as damaging as they can become stuck between your teeth.

Dark Foods and Liquids

You may have eliminated tea, coffee, and red wine from your diet because of staining, but that curry sauce that is helping you lose weight could be just as bad. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and even barbecue sauce can cause stains on your teeth.

Citrus

Grapefruits, Kiwi, oranges, limes, lemons, tomatoes and apples, yes apples, are loaded with natural sugars. However, it is the nature of the fruit itself that can cause the majority of the damage. Eat citrus fruits with other foods and rinse after enjoying.

Dried Fruit

Great for the waistline, but bad for your teeth, dried apricots, papaya, figs, dates, and dried mango's can cause serious damage to your teeth. Just like gummy bears, sticky fruits will stay lodged between your teeth and can be just as bad as that saltwater taffy you gave up to lose weight.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Energy drinks and those sports drinks that you like to consume after a workout may be your favorite treat after pumping iron, but the truth is, they are packed with tooth eroding acids and sugar. Drink water after your aerobics class and leave the energy and sports drinks on the shelf.

If you would like more information regarding healthy food for your body and your teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today.

Healthy Teeth and Gums and Overall Health

Healthy teeth and gums begin with good oral hygiene, and if you are a bit lazy when it comes to brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, you could be doing more harm than you realize. According to Gentle Touch Family Dental, plaque can cause serious problems for the rest of your body.

The American Dental Association explains that there is a real connection when it comes to the health of your mouth and the health of your body.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss; however, periodontal disease can also cause heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Gentle Touch Family Dental explains that sticky film that accumulates on your teeth when you sleep, eat, and drink can get into your bloodstream. That unhealthy bacterium will attach itself to the arteries in your heart causing blockages. Your mouth is loaded with healthy bacteria, but without good oral hygiene, it will become overrun with the unhealthy stuff.

Diabetes

If your teeth and gums are unhealthy and you suffer from periodontal disease, the inflammation will weaken your ability to control your blood sugar. Gum disease complicates diabetes as the inflammation impairs insulin utilization. The high blood sugar in diabetics is ideal for gum and other infections. Thankfully, by scheduling regular dental appointments with Gentle Touch Family Dental and practicing good oral hygiene, you can manage the problem.

Heart Disease

Although it is not fully understood why, heart disease and gum disease seem to go hand in hand with as many as 91 percent of patients with heart problems suffering from periodontal disease. Scientists believe that the mouth inflammation causes blood vessel inflammation increasing your risk of a heart attack in several ways.

Blood vessels that are inflamed allow less blood flow between the body and the heart Not only does this raise your blood pressure, but it can also put you at risk for a stroke or heart attack if that fatty plaque breaks off a blood vessel and travels to your heart.

If you would like more information regarding the mouth and body connection for healthy teeth and gums, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dental today.