Hello, I am Dr. Mark Phan of OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City. Today’s blog topic is ‘How Your Diet Affects Your Smile.’
I’m sure you brush and floss regularly and hopefully visit your Oklahoma City cosmetic dental practice for cleanings, but did you know that making small changes to your diet can improve your oral health?
Most Oklahoma City residents are aware that sugar found in candy, cookies, and sodas can harm your teeth, but some Oklahoma City 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 gum disease. 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 OKC Smiles, I 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 way Oklahoma City folks can improve their oral health is to get 800mg of calcium 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 gum disease for Oklahoma City folks, however, a few changes in eating habits can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
My staff and I at OKC Smiles are accepting new Oklahoma City cosmetic and general dentistry patients in the 73170 zip code area. I encourage you to call 405-634-7303 today to schedule an exam and cleaning.
OKC Smiles offers a full menu of general and specialty dental services including mobile dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. For more information, call today to schedule an appointment or visit https://www.okcsmiles.com/about-us/.
Dr. Mark Phan
Dr. Mark Phan
OKC Smiles
13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73170
405-634-7303
https://www.okcsmiles.com/about-us/
