6 Things Your Dentist Wishes You Knew

1. Cavities aren’t only caused by sugar. Did you know starchy and carbohydrate-rich foods can wreck havoc on your dental health because they break down into simple sugars. Bacteria metabolise these sugars to produce harmful acid. Try to cut down on bread, crisps and crackers.

2. Foods that are good to eat include dairy products particularly cheese, milk and natural yoghurt because they contain vitamin D, calcium and phosphate. Did you know green tea is great for your teeth? It can slow down tooth decay and some teas even contain fluoride.

3. Foods to avoid include acidic citrus fruits because the acids can damage your teeth, especially if you eat oranges, lemons or limes.

4. Don’t brush too hard because you can wear away your teeth and gums, eventually exposing the more sensitive tooth roots. Instead, use a soft toothbrush and clean your teeth with gentle circular motions.

5. Avoiding fluoridated water or toothpaste increases your risk of cavities by between 20% and 40%. The risk of tooth decay is significantly higher in areas where water isn’t fluoridated.

6. Poor dental health affects your general health. Gum disease causes tooth loss and has been associated with heart disease & diabetes. Advanced gum disease increases the risk of women having low birth weight and preterm babies.