Dental problems like cavities and gum disease can be painful to live with and expensive to treat. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to prevent them. In addition to brushing your teeth, eating right is a form of dental care anyone can practice. The dentists at Lowitz & Meier family dentistry, in Cincinnati, OH, want their patients to know the important role nutrition plays in dental health.

According to the American Dental Association, sugars, specifically added sugars, are the leading culprits behind tooth decay. Sodas, energy drinks, cakes, candy, cereal and ice cream are some of the top sources of added sugar. To reduce tooth decay and other dental problems you will need to cut those sugary foods out of your diet as much as possible.

Instead of foods that are high in added sugar, try snacking on nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, almonds, leafy greens and plain yogurt.  When grocery shopping, look out for the snacks boasting that they contain “no added sugars” on their labels.

In addition to avoiding sugary foods, you should be careful with acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits since they can erode your tooth enamel. Even though they are nutritious, those acidic foods should be eaten as part of a meal rather than by themselves.

Soda and candy aren’t worth losing a tooth over. Don’t wait until your gums are throbbing to change your eating habits. You can easily avoid oral surgery by swapping out cookies for carrots.

To speak with a dentist about eating habits that can help improve the health of your teeth or to book an appointment call Lowitz & Meier at (513) 521-8900 or visit them online.