Did you know that making small changes to your diet can improve your dental health? It’s true! And at Love Your Smile in Kelowna, we are working to improve the dental health of each of our patients on a daily basis.
Most people are aware that the sugar found in candy, cookies, juices and sodas can harm your teeth, but some people don’t realize that all carbohydrates can cause cavities. A handful of pretzels or a piece of pumpernickel bread can have the same effect on your teeth as a fudge brownie.
All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are converted into plaque, which can then cause cavities and, left unchecked, gum disease. It’s quite a domino effect.
Carbs are naturally sticky and adhere to your teeth. Eating carbs with meals is healthier than eating them as snacks because more saliva is generated at mealtime. Saliva helps prevent food particles from sticking to teeth.
At Love Your Smile, we continue to see tooth damage caused by sodas and sports drinks. If you choose to drink them, sip them through a straw. By limiting the contact of these drinks on your teeth, you will help preserve your enamel.
Another important way people can improve their oral health is to get plenty of calcium: 800mg a day for men, and 1,000mg for women under 50. Calcium helps strengthen your jaw and secure your teeth firmly in the jaw bone.
Diet alone will not prevent cavities and harmful gum disease for dental patients, but wise eating supports healthy teeth and gums.
Love Your Smile in Kelowna offers a full menu of general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
Contact Love Your Smile – Dr. Stephen Malfair:
250-860-8900
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
301-1890 Cooper Rd
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 8B7
