Buildup of plaque on the teeth is among the most common dental ailments faced by people around the world. Not only does this expose your teeth to infections and disease, but you might also face sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot or cold. While regular dental care can help you prevent plaque, it is better if you avoid consuming foods which increase the risk of plaque. Here are some foods you should avoid like the plague to prevent plaque:
Candies
It is a known fact that candy is bad for your teeth and can cause cavities and all sorts of problems. Sour candy is the worst culprit because of the acidic content. Generally, sour candies are of the chewy and sticky variety, which means getting them off your teeth is a real hassle. This means there is an increased risk of decay as well. Of course, your sweet tooth might need some indulgence from time to time. In that case, it’s best to go for chocolate.
Fizzy Drinks
Fizzy drinks, or carbonated beverages, cause all sorts of health problems, ranging from diabetes to heart disease, and they affect your teeth as well, even if you drink the diet stuff. In fact, it has been discovered the impact of these drinks on your teeth is the same as a few heavy drugs, including crack cocaine. They cause your mouth to dry out and your teeth might lose their color as well. Not to mention, their acidic content can leave a layer of acid on your teeth. Also, don’t brush your teeth right after you have had soda, as that could worsen the damage.
Potato Chips
Yes, most people reach out for a bag of crisps as a snack, but did you know potato chips are loaded with starch? Starch, when stuck between your teeth, serves as food for the bacteria that can eventually cause plaque. And, like the two mentioned above, potato chips are acidic in nature and you know by now that acid isn’t good for your teeth.
This are just a few of the foods that you should avoid or eat in moderation. If you have any questions about other foods or dental questions please feel free to ask!
Every change in season brings with it a host of health issues. Yet, not many people are aware with the common dental problems associated with particular weather conditions. The holiday season is particularly conducive to dental issues, with all the candy, dessert and fatty food gorged down in the spirit of celebration. To make things a tad easier for you, here is a look at a few handy dental care tips for the winter:
Brush Your Teeth
This one is a no-brainer and you probably don’t need a reminder for brushing your teeth at least twice a day. The main reason why this is mentioned as a tip here is that regular brushing keeps plaque from building up and cleaner teeth are less prone to sensitivity, which can be a nuisance when the temperature gets close to zero. As a side note, it is a good idea to use sensitivity toothpastes for brushing your teeth during the winter.
Stop Smoking
You would know the impact of tobacco on your gum health and teeth color but did you know smoking can increase the risk of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis during the winter? The symptoms of this ailment are painful and discomforting, such as bad breath, gum pain, and most significantly, damage to gum tissue. Stop smoking, at least for the winter, to reduce the risk.
Visit a Dentist
Last, but not the least, with the winter yet to take full effect, now is the time to schedule a visit to the dentist. This is important because your immune system will be working at full tilt to fight off the harmful effects of the cold weather and it could increase the risk of inflammation or infection of the gums. You don’t want to spend Christmas with your gums infected, as it can be painful.
So, these are a few basic dental care tips for the winter that you should follow. As you can see, it doesn’t take much to ensure your teeth remain in top shape during the holiday season!
