Keeping your teeth and gums healthy starts with a healthy diet. A balanced diet contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall wellness. Without these nutrients, your body can’t function properly. On the other hand, there are certain foods and beverages that can harm your oral health. Here is a list of foods that should be avoided from your daily diet.

• Brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important parts of good oral hygiene practices. There are a variety of toothbrushes and toothpaste available, so talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about the best options for you. The toothbrush you use should have soft bristles, and the toothpaste should contain fluoride.

Brushing your teeth should last for at least two minutes, and when you brush your teeth, be sure to brush the front, back, and top of your teeth.

• Flossing

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. Flossing removes plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. Flossing should be done at least once a day and is best done at bedtime. 

• Eating a nutritious diet

For the sake of good oral health, aim for a diet rich in vitamins and minerals and low in sugar. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. Some foods and drinks may make it more difficult to maintain good oral health. Candy, soda, and other sugary foods can feed oral bacteria. This can cause tooth decay and lead to cavities. So, avoid them or limit their intake. 

• Visiting your dentist regularly

You should visit your dentist at least every half a year or more often if you have certain oral health issues. A dentist can spot problems in their earliest stages, which can save you money and prevent larger problems. Depending on the state of your oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Besides, during your dental visit, your dentist will clean your teeth, thus eliminating all plaque and tartar accumulated on your teeth over time. 

• Quitting smoking

If you are a smoker, you already know about the health risks that come with this bad habit. But did you know that smoking can also lead to periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss? Smoking can make it harder for your gums to heal after a deep cleaning or dental surgery. It can also increase your risk of gum disease, dry mouth, oral cancer, and bruxism.

But quitting smoking doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many resources available to help you quit. There are also smoking cessation programs that can be customized for your needs.

• Remove your oral piercing

Oral piercings can cause damage to the gum tissue, teeth, and tongue. The metal tongue barbell and studs can be sharp and uncomfortable. They can also cause gum recession, tooth fractures, and nerve damage. If you currently have an oral piercing, have it removed by a professional. Never remove the piercing yourself.

• Avoiding alcohol

It is important to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, which could cause irritation and complications. 

Alta View Dental Care, located in Sandy, UT, has expert dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care services for patients. Call us at (801) 572-4261 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more about cosmetic treatments and other dental facilities provided at the dental practice.