How what you Eat can Affect your Teeth

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You may know that it is important to brush your teeth and get regular dental check-ups. However the food that you consume can have a great effect on your teeth as well. According to Web MD, some foods have a positive effect whereas others have a negative one.
Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel of teeth gets worn away. Acid is responsible for this, and certain foods have more of this acid. For instance, the phosphoric and citric acids in soda or soft drinks are very bad for teeth. Fruit juice may be healthy in some cases, but for your teeth it can have a negative effect.
If you consume a lot of citrus, then this acid can be bad for your teeth as well. You also need to look at how the food stays on your teeth. For instance, dried fruit can stick fast to teeth. Whereas other foods may be more likely to be washed away with saliva, this may linger, promoting erosion and dental problems such as cavities.
How you eat also plays a big part in the health of your teeth. Every time you eat, the acid can linger for hours. Thus someone who is constantly eating will have acid for a longer time on their teeth and more of an impact.
You can take steps to minimize the impact that food has on your teeth. If you chew sugarless gum, you can stimulate saliva production, and this can help to wash away the acid. Of course brushing your teeth, flossing and even simply rinsing your mouth as soon as you can after eating can dampen the negative effects. Also, if you have a food such as a citrus fruit, then have it with other foods, and this can lessen the negative effect.
Certain foods are actually healthy for your teeth. According to Web MD, some foods can help to remineralize your teeth and counter some of the negative effects of acid. Cheese, nuts and milk can be beneficial in this way.
Certain fruits and vegetables have a high water content and can promote saliva production. Pears, apples and vegetables are some of these teeth-friendly foods. Also, do not forget that drinks can play a part as well. If you consume a lot of sugary drinks, then this can hurt your teeth. If you get something sugar-free make sure it does not contain an ingredient like honey or molasses instead as these can be just as bad for your teeth.
It is important to understand how food can affect the health of your teeth. Take the right precautions to promote good oral health.