Nutrition and Dental Health

At Southern Cross Dental, we may not be able to monitor your diet, but we can educate you on how nutrition and dental health go hand-in-hand. Diet plays a major role in dental decay, because what you eat and how frequently you consume food and beverages can cause bacteria in the mouth to convert sugars and carbohydrates to acids. These acids attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. The more often you eat and snack, the more frequently you expose your teeth to the cycle of decay.

The best thing you can do to prevent tooth decay is when snacking, select foods from the five food groups. The best food choices for the health of your mouth include cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts, and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth. Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits and vegetables. These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain, and stimulates saliva flow to wash away food particles and acid.

If you have further questions about the relation between nutrition and dental health, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at 719-471-1717.