Cookies, Pies and My Teeth, Oh My!

The health of our smile is built on more than just our brushing and flossing habits. We can visit the dentist 

every six months, brush two times and day and floss once a day, however, if you’re consuming large amounts of sugar, carbohydrates and fats you are continuing to do unnecessary damage to your smile. While it may not 

seem important, it is more than just the risk of obesity that you should consider when reaching for the Frito's instead of the celery.

Fruits and vegetables are low in sugar and high in water which helps clean off your teeth. They produce higher levels of saliva and allow for food to be rinsed from the surface of your enamel, while breads, pasta and chips decrease your overall saliva production and increase your risk of periodontal disease, especially if you do not plan to brush and floss right after you consume the five-layer bean dip or the spaghetti and meatballs. 

Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice at Rice Periodontics & Implant Surgery says, “I see thousands of patients a year that have developed severe periodontal disease not only from their overall dental habits but because of their daily negative food habits as well.”  Her responsibility is to educate patients on the importance of taking care of their whole body, not just their gums.  “While you may increase your healthy dental habits, if you do not change your food habits too, you may wind up right back where you started, in the dental chair with periodontal disease,” adds Dr.Rice.