Dental care tips

The dental experts have recognized the link between good oral health and sound nutrition. There is a growing concern among dentists that many of their patients are consuming record numbers of sugar-filled food, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snack foods.
Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. When bacteria come into contact with sugar or starch in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay.
The foods we choose generally affect our overall health, including our teeth and gums. The dietary guidelines encourage consumers to limit intake of beverages and foods high in added sugars that may crowd out other health foods from the daily diet.
What should we do?
·Maintain a healthy diet. · Make sure water is readily available and drink water more often. · Limit eating and drinking between meals. Give preference to nutritious foods for snacks.
· Avoid sticky sweets, such as taffies, toffees, soft candies and pastries. These types of foods stick to your teeth and feed decay-causing bacteria. When you do eat sweets, eat them after a meal. When candies are eaten alone, they are more likely to remain stuck between your teeth.
· Be aware that excessive amounts of coffee, tea, red wine and other beverages can stain your teeth.
· Brush your teeth every time after taking sweet food with fluoride toothpaste. If you can't brush your teeth after eating, rinse your mouth with water.