Are you already doing a great job cleaning your smile every morning and night, but you are still looking for a way to improve your oral health? It might be time to a look at what you are eating and drinking every day. Because these substances coat our teeth and oral tissues throughout the day, they are quite impactful when it comes to dental health. Keep reading to learn more from our Saint Louis dentists…
To get it started, let’s review what refined carbohydrates are; these are carbohydrates that have had the fiber, nutrients, and brans taken out of them. For example, white bread is a refined carbohydrate while wheat bread is less processed, and thus retains fiber and nutrients. If a bread, dough, or pastry is made with white flour, it is a refined carb.
It is important to be aware of what your consuming, because oral bacteria use sugars and refined carbs as fuel. So, if you are eating a diet rich in sugar, you are providing an ideal environment for the very bacteria that cause dental cavities and gum disease.
There are some simple things that you can do to limit bacterial growth:
- Minimize your consumption of carbs and sugar
- Rinse your mouth with water after you eat or drink
- Switch out complex carbs for more refined carbohydrates
- Indulge in treats sparingly
- Eat and drink all in one go, rather than continuously
- Clean dental debris from between your teeth using floss
- Wait 20 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking to brush your teeth; your enamel is temporarily softened during this period
Try implementing a few of these tips into your regular routine to refresh your smile. As always, our Saint Louis dental team is here to provide you with any additional guidance or support you need. Together we can make sure that you reach your short-term and long-term dental goals!