A Balanced Diet Helps in Preventing Tooth Decay

Foods and drinks that are fortified with calcium, or that naturally contain high levels of calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, can reduce the risk of tooth decay by adding extra strength to bones and tooth structures. Even cheese can help protect teeth by preventing acid from reaching the surface of the teeth. Crunchy vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples help remove plaque and clean the surface of the teeth, while herbs like parsley and mint can freshen your breath.

How You Can Prevent Tooth Decay

Studies show that cranberries can prevent oral bacteria from bonding to teeth, and foods rich in vitamin C aid immune function to help fight bacteria in other ways. Folic acid can promote cell growth in the body, including the mouth.  All of these healthy foods are important for fighting the bacteria that causes cavities, but sometimes that may not even be enough. It’s also important to avoid acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to enamel erosion and leave you with sensitivity and pain. Although it can contain some healthy vitamins, fruit juice also contains sugars that have been broken down. These sugars, once released from the fruit structure and broken down, can attack your teeth much faster and easier.  Tampa dentists recommend sticking to just one glass of fruit juice a day because it will cut down on the sugars that become acids and break down your enamel. If you choose to indulge in sugary snacks, eating them during meal times is much better than snacking on them during the day. When you eat sugary foods with a meal, the increased saliva created during the meal can help to wash away the sugars and acids before they are able to cause damage. Additionally, it’s important to limit intake of fruit juice.