Your Dental Health

By Ameritas

Harmful Foods

• Foods that are harmful to teeth include sweets that are sucked, stick to teeth or dissolve slowly. Stay away from lollipops, hard candy, toffee, gum drops, taffy, caramel corn, brittle, dried fruit, chocolate-covered raisins, and “high energy” sports bars.

Less Harmful Foods

• Foods that are less harmful to teeth include chocolate pieces with or without nuts, peppermint patties, marshmallows, gummy candy, licorice, diabetic or dietetic candy and sugarless gum. Other less sticky treats include nuts, popcorn, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and fresh fruit such as apples, berries and melon.

To Prevent Tooth Decay

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or inter-dental cleaners
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit sugary snacks
• Drink at least one pint of fluoridated water each day
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams
• Ask your dentist about supplemental fluoride and dental sealants

Health Smiles for All Ages

• Braces are not only for kids. Presently, 20% of orthodontic patients are over 18; people in their 60’s have had successful orthodontic treatment.
• It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about.
• People with diabetes and inadequate blood sugar control tend to develop periodontal disease more often and more severely; they lose more teeth than do people who have good control of their diabetes. Healthy teeth and gums are important when controlling diabetes.