General Dentistry Aspley, Bulimba and Brisbane

What you eat and how often you eat it, is just as important for your teeth and gums as it is for your general health. Food and drinks that contain starch and sugar react to the bacteria in your mouth and produce acid, which attacks your tooth enamel and causes decay. If left unaddressed, over time this can lead to periodontal disease, the main cause of tooth loss in adults.

Plaque is the sticky film on the surface of your teeth which attracts food particles, the longer this remains on your teeth the more acid is produced, and damage done. The more you consume products laden with starch and sugar, the longer your teeth are exposed to decay-causing acid.

Reducing how often you have sugary or starchy drinks and snacks will help to maintain your optimal oral health considerably. Foods such as cheese, fresh fruit, nuts and vegetable sticks including carrot and celery, make good substitutes for sweet treats. Chewing sugar-free gum will stimulate saliva production, your natural neutraliser to mouth acid, and rinsing with water after eating can also help.

Tooth staining and constant bad breath are the least of your worries when it comes to smoking and your oral health. In addition to causing lung cancer, heart disease and other health conditions, smoking is one of the main contributors to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums causing them to bleed easily when you brush and floss, and periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Smoking is the major cause of oral cancer, which accounts for 3% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia. Often in its early stages it does not cause any discomfort and is therefore difficult to diagnose. Many smokers are also unable to receive some restorative dental procedures, such as dental implants, because smoking impedes the recovery of the gum tissue and gum disease causes a reduction in jawbone density.

We understand quitting is difficult, however the team at Smile Perfection Dental are dedicated to providing whatever advice and support we can to help you quit smoking and restore your oral health.