How often have you heard that you should brush and floss your pearly whites every day? Have you been told that you should visit your dentist every six months? Do you ever wonder if you should do anything else to keep pearly whites strong? Would you be surprised to hear that the foods you eat might have an immediate impact on your oral health?
Naturally, your diet might also have a long-term affect on your smile. For instance, if you don’t get enough calcium, your teeth will eventually weaken. If you follow an unhealthy diet, you’ll also be more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. Please remember that your pearly whites will also be impacted as soon as you eat since the bacteria in your mouth will produce acids. These acids will actually weaken your teeth, so we recommend waiting to brush your teeth for at least thirty minutes after you eat. If you choose not to wait, you might eventually hurt teeth—but after thirty minutes pass, the outer layer of your pearly whites will harden again. However, please note that snacking throughout your day is a bad habit because doing so will leave your teeth softened much more often, meaning your teeth will be more susceptible to cavities.
If you’re interested in hearing more about dealing with tooth decay in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, please feel free to give Pristine Smiles a call at 717-790-2184. Our dentist, Dr. Nandhini Bogavelli, and our team will gladly address and concerns you have and examine your smile for signs of trouble. We’re eager to meet with you!