Nutritional Counseling
Sports drinks: Most sports drinks have pH levels comparable to carbonated soft drinks, which cause dental erosion. The pH (potential of hydrogen) level is a standard measure for acidity. On a scale of 0 to 14, the lower the pH of a solution, the more acidic it is; the higher the pH, the more non-acidic (alkaline). A low pH level in the mouth contributes to dental erosion.
Acidic foods and beverages: Acids, which can cause dental erosion, are often found in foods and drinks. These acids include:
Nutritional Tips for Good Oral Health
We provide monthly free seminars on nutrition and health, click on the link below for upcoming dates:
Upcoming Events
Sports drinks: Most sports drinks have pH levels comparable to carbonated soft drinks, which cause dental erosion. The pH (potential of hydrogen) level is a standard measure for acidity. On a scale of 0 to 14, the lower the pH of a solution, the more acidic it is; the higher the pH, the more non-acidic (alkaline). A low pH level in the mouth contributes to dental erosion.
Acidic foods and beverages: Acids, which can cause dental erosion, are often found in foods and drinks. These acids include:
- Phosphoric acid, which is found in soft drinks
- Citric and malic acids, which are found in fruits such as lemons and fruit products
- Lactic acid, which can be found in fermented products, such as yogurt
- Tartaric acid, which is found in grapes and wines
Nutritional Tips for Good Oral Health
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet centered on moderation and variety. Select foods from each of the five major food groups (breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry, fish and beans; and milk and dairy products).
- Keep a food diary for a week. Record every item you eat and drink, especially ones that contain sugar.
- Avoid “fad diets” that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies
- Drink plenty of water. This keeps your mouth moist and helps to wash away loose food particles.
- Limit the number of snacks. Remember that each time you eat foods that contain sugar; your teeth are bombarded with acids for 20 minutes or more.
- Keep your consumption of foods containing free sugars to a maximum of four times a day.
- If you snack, opt for healthy foods that are low in sugar and do not stick to your teeth.
- Cheese, raw vegetables, nuts, plain yogurt or a piece of fruit are good choices
- Drinking soda with a meal times is less harmful to your teeth than drinking it alone; continuously sipping soda over time is more harmful than drinking the entire soda at once.
- To reduce the amount of soda that comes into direct contact with your teeth, try drinking with a straw.
We provide monthly free seminars on nutrition and health, click on the link below for upcoming dates:
Upcoming Events