Dentist in Tucson, AZ Providing Dietary Tips to Patients for Maintaining Clean and Healthy Teeth

We all know that proper oral hygiene habits combined with regular dental cleanings are critical to the health of our teeth and gums. What you may not know is that these same habits will reduce the risk of you developing cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have found a link between periodontal (gum) disease and the development of heart disease. Your health is important to Dr. Colby Echols and the team at Swan Dental in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Echols encourages you to come in for your twice a year dental cleaning.

Even when you make it in for your regular examinations and cleanings, there are still several practices you can perform on your own at home that, in combination with cleanings, will ensure you retain optimal oral health. Let’s look at some simple tips you can follow that have to do with your diet.

Ditch Soda

If you are a regular consumer of soda, both regular and diet, you are definitely causing damage to your teeth. This is due to two ingredients in soda, phosphoric acid, and citric acid, that will wear away at your enamel and make you very susceptible to cavities. While an occasional soda will not do damage, it is still best to stick to water. There are several ways you can spruce up and add flavor to water including adding fruits or mint leaves.

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

When you reduce your sugar intake as well as remove soda from your diet, you will be doing yourself a huge favor. Cutting back on sugar will allow your teeth to remain clean and healthy in between teeth cleanings. Bacterial growth and the acid levels in your mouth are increased by sugar intake, leading to plaque formation. This plaque attacks your gums and tooth enamel, increasing the chances of tooth decay. This is not to say you must completely eliminate sugar but be mindful of how much you are consuming and limit your intake. When you do indulge in a sweet treat, make sure you are brushing soon after.

These tips are incredibly easy to follow and are more a matter of choice than anything else. When you choose healthy dietary habits, you are doing your mouth and body a favor. To schedule a cleaning, please call Swan Dental at (520) 595-3655 today.