Diet & Your Teeth

Our teeth are constantly being covered with a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque. When we eat or drink anything that contains sugar-such as cookies, candy, soda, juice, fruit, milk and many other foods and beverages-bacteria turn the sugar... Full Answer

Not brushing right after eating sugary, starchy foods gives bacteria extra hours to pile up plaque on your teeth. Check out these tips to protect your teeth when eating desserts: Wash dessert down with cranberry juice. A molecule in cranberries... Full Answer

Desserts, such as those brought into the office, can be dangerous for your teeth. There's evidence that the combination of sugar and starch (think pies, cakes, cookies, and breakfast treats) is worse for your teeth than either one alone. The... Full Answer

Vitamins and minerals that support oral health include calcium, iron, vitamins B3 (niacin), B12, B2 (riboflavin), C, and D. Since your teeth and jaw are made up mostly of calcium, low levels of this mineral put you at higher risk for gum disease... Full Answer

Sugar itself is not corrosive to the enamel. The bacteria in dental plaque metabolize sugar and release acid that can break down tooth enamel. Sugar substitutes (like low calorie sweeteners) don’t have the same effect. In fact some sweeteners are... Full Answer

Research shows that yogurt eaters are less likely to suffer from gum disease and tooth loss. It only took a couple of ounces of yogurt daily for people's mouths to benefit. Researchers speculate that there's something about the healthy bacteria... Full Answer

Getting more greens in your diet -- along with other veggies and fruit -- could help thwart staining, write RealAge experts Michael Roizen, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD, in their book YOU: Being Beautiful. Sure, cutting back on coffee may help, too. But... Full Answer

Dates have a substance that may help strengthen tooth enamel and guard against plaque. Dates are rich in the element fluorine, which sounds like what it is -- a relative of fluoride, that enamel-friendly compound that can actually help reverse... Full Answer

Raisins may save you from extra trips to the dentist. Phytochemicals in these fruits appear to inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria that mess with your mouth, and they help prevent it from sticking to teeth. Full Answer

The ADA advises patients to first consult with their dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment for whitening. A thorough oral examination by a dentist is essential to determine if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment. This is... Full Answer