Your diet can have a major impact on your oral health. So when you are choosing between foods, it is important to know whether your choice will be feeding you or the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Here to discuss how diet can impact your oral health is your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.
Vitamin D and Your Mouth
Recent research indicates that vitamin D may help to prevent cavities. In a series of trials that have spanned over sixty years, researchers have found that people with greater levels of vitamin D suffer from 50 percent less tooth decay. To get more vitamin D, try eating tuna and salmon as well as liver oils. You may also consider taking a supplement of vitamin D.
Sugar and Your Mouth
One of the best things you can do to keep your mouth and body healthy is to avoid sugar-heavy foods. These foods not only have little nutritional value but they also feed bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria consume sugar, they produce an acid byproduct that is capable of wearing away tooth enamel. Continued decay can result in a cavity or even infection of the pulp and tooth loss. Thus, a diet low in sugars is beneficial to your mouth.
Treating Tooth Decay
If you do suffer from tooth decay, it is important that you seek prompt dental care. Your Grand Prairie general dentist, Dr. Smith, offers both composite (white) and amalgam (silver) fillings. Both fillings are capable of preventing further tooth decay. However, composite fillings are generally a better choice for children, pregnant women, and anyone who suffers an allergy to mercury. Composite fillings also yield better cosmetic results because the resin used to fill the tooth is tooth-colored.
Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie General Dentist
Regular dental visits can help keep cavities at bay. However, if you do suffer from tooth decay, a dental filling can help repair the damage. Schedule a visit with your Grand Prairie general dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. Our 75052 dental office welcomes patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.
