Sometimes finding the time to attend your routine preventive visits can be a difficult feat to accomplish, especially since the Coronavirus pandemic sent everyone into quarantine. Now that many places have opened back up and there appears to be a sense of normalcy, it is time to start prioritizing your health once again. Bear in mind, however, that issues such as dental decay are not the only things that impacted your teeth, and factors such as your diet can actually cause more damage than you might think. In today’s blog, your North Hollywood, CA dentist takes a look at the major impact your diet has on your smile, and how you can better prioritize your oral health with a few tips and tricks.

Not Getting Enough Water

You often hear from a young age that it is crucial you get your daily allowance of water in order to remain hydrated and healthy. While this is true, water actually serves many more purposes than just keeping you hydrated. In fact, water is crucial for your oral health.

You see, ordinary tap water contains fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in most toothpaste, and it works in conjunction with your enamel to protect your smile from outside harm. Enamel is the smile’s only natural line of defense, and once it is gone, it is gone for good.

Indeed, many items can weaken your layer of enamel, causing areas to become more susceptible to infection and decay. When you consume water, the naturally occurring fluoride bonds with your enamel to strengthen any weakened portions so that your smile remains healthy and happy. To learn more about this process, reach out to our team today.

Dangers of too Much Sugar

Another common phrase many of us hear growing up is that too much sugar is going to rot our teeth. This statement is also true, as sugars cause oral bacteria to produce a dangerous acid that actively weakens your smile’s structures.

As time progresses, a small hole known as a cavity will begin to form. What’s more? The situation will only become worse, as the cavity will become larger and deeper. If this happens, your inner dental pulp and nerves will become infected, and you may face the possibility of needing a dental extraction. Because of this, we recommend limiting your sugar intake as much as you can.

Citrus in Moderation

In addition to too much sugar, fruits can also harm your teeth by weakening your layer of enamel. You see, citrus products such as lemons, limes, oranges, and more contain high levels of acidity. These acids break down your enamel and weaken your teeth, causing them to become more susceptible to decay and infection.

While we do not recommend throwing out citrus altogether because they contain a number of healthy vitamins and nutrients, paying mind to your fruit consumption is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile for life.

Learn More Today

Contact Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA by calling 818-763-9353 to learn more about the importance of a healthy diet and your smile, or schedule your appointment today.