BAD BREATH AND TOOTH DECAY, HOW THE PERFECT SMILE DIET CAN HELP SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS!

"Why do I have cavities?" "How do I get rid of my bad breath?"

These two, very common, problems are ones I discuss with you, my patients, on a daily basis.  Although multifactorial, the dental profession is confident in some of the more obvious causes contributing to your concerns. Bad breath and tooth decay are oftentimes what brings you into the dental office.  I would like to shed some light on diet recommendations which may slow or even prevent the culprit germs from affecting your smile. First, I'll discuss the causes.  Later, I'll give you some hints on how to solve the problem!

BAD BREATH

What is causing it?

Acidic foods and chewing gum are two of the main reasons you may find yourself tackling this issue.  Consuming too many acidic foods like soda, coffee, and high-fat meats can lead to acid reflux and ultimately bad breath. Additionally, the acidic regurgitation into the esophagus may cause bacterial accumulation there, leading to other sorts of infections and diseases.  Foods and drinks high in acidity will also damage the enamel of your teeth, causing an increase in sensitivity, caries, and other dental abnormalities.  

Chewing gum is another bad breath culprit.  Although effective as a quick cover-up, chronic gum chewing may cause bacterial growth in the mouth.  This, in turn, may serve to worsen the issue of bad breath.  Whether sugar-containing or sugar-free, the bacteria can multiply and make matters worse.

What should you do about it?

Well, begin by reducing the intake of acidic foods, replacing them with more alkaline options.  These include dark leafy greens and chlorophyll containing green plants. By doing so, your pH levels in the mouth will rise thereby keeping bacteria to a minimum.  By reducing the amount of bacteria your bad breath will also subside.  I am sure you all brush and floss, correct?! Well, I would also suggest you consider using a tongue scraper to cleanse your tongue daily.  A signficant amount of bad breath is caused by the germs that are left harboring on the surface of your tongue.  

When choosing gum, go with those containing high amounts of  XYLITOL, an ingredient shown to inhibit bacteria and plaque.

Another tip for ridding yourself of morning breath is to chew on celery.  This will increase the flow of saliva and thereby help to eliminate the germs that were built up over night.

TOOTH DECAY 

What is causing it?

A diet high in sugar and acid will cause tooth decay.  Some of the the foods involved in this problem are dried fruits, white wine, and fruit juices. Sticky foods high in sugars will attach to and between teeth, making it more difficult to easily brush off or floss out.  Lemons contain high levels of acid.  Those of you who enjoy sucking on these fruits on a regular basis will eventually suffer from acid erosion of your enamel.  A favorite, water with lemon, will cause considerable damage over time.  

What should you do about it?

First, be mindful of what you are eating and drinking.  Reduce the amount of foods and drinks high in sugars and acids.  A diet that stains the teeth may also cause decay over time.  Replace these foods with those high in fiber.  Fibers increase the flow of saliva and so contribute to neutralizing the acidity in the mouth and to the protection against decay.  Make sure your toothpaste contains calcium, phosphates, and flouride to stimulate enamel remineralization.  

Maintaining a healthy and well balanced diet will certainly aid in reducing the long term effects of sugars and acids on the teeth and within the mouth.  Always remember that your smile and mouth are an important part of your overall health, ones not to be neglected nor forgotten.

I am excited to assist you in attaining and maintaining a "Smile You'd Be Proud To Wear...ANYWHERE!"