Hello, I am Dr. Dennis Hetland of Designer Smiles in Fargo. Today, we are focusing on diet and oral health.
I’m sure you brush and floss regularly and hopefully visit your Fargo dental practice for required cleanings, but did you know that making small but critical changes to your diet can improve your oral health?
Most Fargo residents are aware that the sugar found in candy, cookies, juices and sodas can harm your teeth, but some Fargo people don’t realize that all carbohydrates can cause cavities. A handful of pretzels or a piece of pumpernickel bread can have the same effect on your teeth as a fudge brownie.
All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are converted into plaque, which can then cause cavities and gum disease. Carbs are naturally sticky and adhere to your teeth. Eating carbs with meals is healthier than eating them as snacks because more saliva is generated at mealtime. Saliva helps prevent food particles from sticking to teeth.
At Designer Smiles, I continue to see tooth damage caused by sodas and sports drinks. If you choose to drink them, sip them through a straw. By limiting the contact of these drinks on your teeth, you will help preserve your enamel.
Another vital way Fargo residents can improve their oral health is to get 800mg of calcium a day for men and 1,000mg for women under 50. Calcium helps strengthen your jaw and secure your teeth firmly in the jaw bone.
Diet alone will not prevent cavities and dangerous gum disease for Fargo dental patients, however, wise eating supports healthy teeth and gums.
My staff and I at Designer Smiles are accepting new Fargo general and cosmetic dental patients in the 58104 zip code area. I encourage you to call 701-298-9400 today to schedule an exam and cleaning, if needed.
Designer Smiles in Fargo offers a full menu of general and specialty dental services including TruDenta headache relief and sedation dentistry. For more specifics, call today to schedule an appointment or visit https://www.fargodentalcare.com/services/.
Contact Designer Smiles:
701-298-9400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104
