Aside from regular brushing and flossing there are other things that need your attention for optimal dental wellness. Many factors that you may be unaware of could contribute to compromising your oral health so keep a look out for the following:

Unhealthy Eating

Fast Food or Junk Food may be the norm for snacks and meals these days but these unhealthy choices are high in starch and sugar. These compounds coat the teeth and induce a low pH level in the mouth. This happens because when bacteria feed on starch and sugar they excrete acids that corrode the teeth.

If you can’t avoid eating these foods then make sure to eat them with fruits, cheese or vegetables to neutralize the acids. If you can’t brush after consuming starch and sugar then rinse your mouth with water and chew on sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of saliva, this will help lower the acidity of the mouth.

Stick to heavy foods that have minimal sugar content like milk, cheese, plain yoghurt, rice, fish and poultry. Fruits are also high in sugar but those with high water content are good for the teeth and health. Cucumbers, melons and peaches are examples of fruits that can be eaten regularly because the high water content dilutes the sugar in them.

Leafy vegetables are high in fiber that helps neutralize the acids in the mouth. Fiber, aside from keeping your teeth healthy, also keeps you full longer and rids the colon of compacted waste.

Go Easy on Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can work by stripping the outermost layer of the teeth to remove deep stains caused by nicotine, coffee and other compounds. Doing them more than once a month could thin out your enamel and cause sensitive teeth. This activity could also make cavities grow and deepen quicker. Schedule your whitening every two months or consult your dentist if your teeth can handle being whitened monthly. Whitening toothpastes work by gently abrading the teeth to remove discolorations, some chemicals are also added to wash out any staining. They can be used to maintain professionally whitened teeth at home because they do not compromise the strength of your teeth.

Calcium From Your Diet Or Supplements

Calcium maintains the health of your teeth and bones throughout your life so it is necessary to ensure that you are getting enough. Some calcium sources are dairy products, leafy vegetables, sardines and other fishes with edible bones. One serving of each of these foods approximately amounts to about 350 mg of calcium which is roughly 1/3 of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) which is 1000 mg.

If you feel that you are getting less than the RDA because of bad eating habits, vegan diets, lactose intolerance or other reasons you can take calcium supplements. Calcium naturally occurs with other substances so supplements come in the form of calcium compounds. Calcium-carbonate has 40% calcium, Calcium-citrate has 21%, Calcium-lactate has 12% and Calcium-gluconate has 9% calcium. Remember to take Vitamin D for calcium absorption.

Author Bio: Discover 8 Tips things to consider when choosing Virginia Beach Dentist to avoid strain on your budget and maintain good dental care for your family. Family dentistry choice is an important decision and VA Beach Dentist HQ has the answers you need to make a right one.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: dental health, va beach dentist, virginia beach dentist, family dentistry, oral health