A bright white smile is a very special gift that you give to everyone you meet – and Dentistry in Gravenhurst helps patients achieve their brightest smile by offering teeth whitening treatment. But some patients have naturally white teeth because of the way they care for their teeth. Did you know that the foods we consume play a key role in our tooth enamel colour and overall health of our natural teeth? Here’s how…
Chewing ice
Chewing ice can break down enamel, crack teeth and create chips which can accelerate decay damage goes unnoticed. Ice is much harder than we realize and chewing ice is a bad habit we start as kids. So be sure to educate your children or ask our dental team to explain to them why it’s not a good idea.
Sports drinks
Most have high levels of sugar, which is an ingredient that has been proven to cause rapid tooth decay, plaque and bacteria build up. When selecting a sports drink, take a good look at the label and make sure the drink is low in sugar. Kids should avoid sports drinks since they are unlikely to rigorously brush their teeth regularly.
Sugar and Starch
Sugar, starch, citric acid—found in Dried fruits, potato chips, fresh fruits—these ingredients erode enamel and enable plaque build-up on your teeth. Although we enjoy eating sticky sweet snacks, these can bond to the teeth and stay there for hours before the next opportunity to brush. So think about what you put in your mouth, if you’re unsure, it’s wise to swish with water after eating if you don’t have a toothbrush handy.
Smoking
While cigarettes are harmful to oral tissue and gums, the most noticeable thing about smokers is their stained upper and lower front teeth. Taking steps to reduce or quit the habit will make a big difference to your smile.
Tips to take care of your teeth and keep them white:
- Brush your teeth just before sleep and at least one other time during the day, preferably after breakfast, using a fluoride toothpaste
- Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks that you consume on a daily basis and be sure to prepare healthy snacks that you can eat regularly between meals to reduce sugar cravings
- Make regular visits to your dental team, as often as they recommend. For some patients, every 6 months is fine for a teeth cleaning. But some people experience plaque build-up in certain areas of the teeth, especially children, and may need minimal scaling between regular visits.
Good dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to your dentist can help to minimize damage and keep your pearly whites looking their brightest. Book your next appointment and let us know if you have any concerns and would like follow-up scaling for yourself or a member of your family. We’re happy to help!
