Proper nutrition can benefit you in a number of ways; increased energy, improved immunity, glowing skin, mental clarity, and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. How often, however, do you examine how your diet impacts your oral health?
Your diet can influence your risk of cavities, enamel health, and gum condition. Healthy foods provide an environment that can restrict inflammation and infection. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts are the optimal choices for oral health. Calcium-fortified beverages, milk and other dairy products provide vitamins, minerals, and calcium that aids in keeping teeth, bones, and gums healthy. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, will help clean your teeth and gums.
A healthy diet contains all the critical vitamins and minerals, and the most important mineral for teeth is fluoride – especially for youth. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in, therefore adequate fluoride is critical.
Don’t forget, however, that too much fluoride is harmful. Dr. Frederick Hecht can guide you on the exact dosage of fluoride for your child, taking into account whether your municipal water is fluoridated.
Even though adults’ teeth have already formed, fluoride aids in remineralizing weakened enamel to a degree. This dynamic mineral is applied to teeth during extensive dental cleanings at Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht and daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Bacteria that causes enamel-destroying plaque love a steady diet of sugar – from soda, candy, and even fruit juices. When enamel wears away, the teeth become vulnerable to decay, cracks, and discoloration.
Sugary foods that are especially detrimental are those that get trapped in the spaces between teeth and the small pits and cracks in the molars. Candies that are chewy or hard can lodge in these spaces and allow for the harmful sugar to have direct contact with enamel until brushing occurs. Sticky candy can also damage braces and retainers. More than one retainer has fallen prey to sticky caramel or hard taffy.
Be sure to brush after each meal and before bed. Remember to floss or use a water irrigating method to dislodge food particles trapped in spaces. By eating well, brushing properly, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods that stick to your teeth, you can have a beautiful smile for life.
I’m Dr. Frederick Hecht, and I have a full-service dental practice in Staten Island. Helping my dental patients stay healthy is important to me, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want through advancement cosmetic dentistry care such as veneers, teeth whitening and smile redesigns.
Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht in Staten Island has been serving the NYC area including Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Bayonne, since 1976. Please contact us at 718-761-5757 if you are looking for exceptional dental care from a local Staten Island dentist with the experience, expertise and personalized attention you deserve.
Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht:
718-761-5757
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314