Healthy Eating for Healthy Teeth

We’ve all heard at some stage of our life that we should reduce sugary foods and soft drinks in our diet if we want to help avoid getting holes in our teeth (decay) and keep them healthy for as long as possible, but are there any foods that are helpful for our teeth?

Well interestingly enough there are some foods that can have a beneficial effect on the teeth, gums and our overall oral health and they’re not too different to foods that are good for overall health.

Firstly, and possibly most obvious in terms of benefits to the teeth are the dairy products – especially cheese. Finishing a meal with a cube of cheese or even just as a snack can help remineralise teeth by providing a source of calcium, clearing food stuck in the chewing surface of teeth and stimulating saliva flow which will help prevent decay. Yoghurt and milk will have similar remineralising effects for teeth, as they are also sources of calcium, phosphorus and casein however they will not stimulate the protective and acid neutralizing effects of increased saliva flow as chewing on a harder block of cheese.

Are you dreading a visit to the Dentist?

 

Are you dreading a visit to the Dentist?

Fear is one of our most valuable instincts. It aids our self-preservation, reminds us to beware of certain situations and helps us with risk assessment.

However, a fear of many Australians is regular, routine dental check-up.

If you find yourself cringing at the thought of a routine check-up, there are a few tricks you can use to help overcome this fear and prevent any future dental problems

 

  1. Ask for a morning appointment to see your dentist.  

If you find that the anticipation of an upcoming dental check-up is causing you stress, try to make an appointment for first thing in the morning. This will limit the time spent waiting anxiously for an appointment throughout the day.