For healthy teeth, food and drinks should be free of added sugar whenever possible.

Tooth decay is a diet related disease.  Sugars in the food and drinks you consume mix with the bacteria in the in the plaque on your teeth and produce acids. These acids attack the outer layers of the tooth (tooth enamel)

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Consuming sweet food and drink between meals is a major cause of tooth decay; this is because there is no between-meal period for teeth to undergo recovery. The more often sweet foods and drinks are consumed, the higher the risk of tooth decay.

What you can do to help maintain healthy teeth:

• 1. Limit how often you have sweet foods and consume them during meal times rather than between meals.
• 2. Limit sweet drinks, including fruit juices (even if diluted, fruit juice contains natural sugars which can lead to tooth decay),
• 3. Choose healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, natural yogurt, plain popcorn, soups or cheese.
• 4. Choose fresh fruit over dried fruit, as dried fruit will leave a sticky residue on your teeth and can contribute to tooth decay.
• 5. Drink fluoridated tap water and plain milk instead of soft drinks, juice or cordial.
• 6. Have a piece of cheese after consuming sweet or acidic food as dairy products assist in reversing the decay process.
• 7.  For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy and avoiding our dentists see our healthy teeth guide here.

The best foods for healthy teeth

Kale and spinach

Leafy greens are full of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach also promote oral health. They're high in calcium, which builds your teeth's enamel (I put them in a smoothie).

Apples

Apples are high in fiber and water. The action of eating an apple produces saliva in your mouth, which rinses away bacteria and food particles. The fibrous texture of the fruit also stimulates the gums.

Carrots

Carrots are crunchy and full of fiber. Eating a handful of raw carrots at the end of the meal increases saliva production in your mouth, which reduces your risk of cavities.

Cheese

Eating cheese raises the pH in your mouth, lowered your risk of tooth decay. Chewing required to eat cheese increases saliva in your mouth. Cheese also contains calcium and protein, nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel.

Yogurt

Yogurt is high in calcium and protein, excellent for strong healthy teeth. The goodl bacteria in yogurt helps your gums by crowding out bad bacteria that cause cavities. Choose plain yogurt with no added sugar.

Celery

Celery is a bit like a toothbrush, brushing food particles and bacteria away from your teeth. It's also a good source of vitamins A and C, two antioxidants that give the health of your gums a boost.

Eating and drinking foods and beverages that are good for you will help keep your body healthy, including your teeth and gums. But, every time you eat or drink something with sugar, the sugary acids attack your teeth for at least 20 minutes. Each bite or sip brings on another acid attack. Repeat attacks can lead to cavities.

Fortunately for parents, children who are under 12 years old are treated free for all dental work at Inspiro Lilydale.

You can learn more about Inspiro's dental services by clicking here.

Make an appointment with one of Inspiro's dentists today, call 9028 0153