Advice For Patients Who Wish To
Have Fewer Fillings
With such avast array of food and drinks
containing sugar it is unrealistic to eliminate
sugar completely from your diet. It is therefore
important to focus on reducing and controlling 69 Inchview Terrace
the way in which sugar is consumed. The Portobello Road
following advice will help with this. Edinburgh
EH7 6TT
Tel. 0131 669 2114
dentist@craigentinny.co.uk
www.craigentinny.co.uk
Replace sugary foods with healthier foods.
Reducing the amount of sugary foods being eaten is important in reducing the risk of tooth decay. Ideally sugary
foods such as cakes, chocolate and sweets should be kept for a weekly treat. If cakes and sweets are being eaten on a
daily basis there is a much greater chance of tooth decay occurring.
Replacing sugar foods with healthier foods such as fresh fruit is essential for both dental and general health. If sugary
foods and drinks are in the kitchen cupboard there will always be the temptation to snack on these foods. The best
advice is to avoid buying these foods as part of your weekly shop. Instead try to substitute these foods with more
fruit and vegetables.
Reduce the amount of times per day you have sugary foods.
The more often sugary foods or drinks are eaten during a day, the more likely it is that your teeth will decay. Avoid
snacking on sugary foods especially between meals. The fewer times each day you eat sugary things the less deacy
you will experience
Restrict sugary foods to mealtimes.
During mealtimes your body produces more saliva. Saliva neutralises the harmful effects which sugar has on tooth
substance. Thus, the risk of tooth decay will be reduced if sugar is eaten at mealtimes rather than in between meals.
Avoid sugary snacks/drinks at bedtime.
When you are sleeping your saliva flow is reduced and your mouth will become drier. When your mouth is dry the
risk of tooth decay is increased. Thus, having sugary foods after brushing your teeth at bedtime will increase your risk
of tooth decay.
Eating chewing gum between and after meals.
Sugar free chewing gum is very good for teeth as it helps the body produce more saliva. Saliva neutralises the
harmful effects which sugar has on tooth substance. By stimulating this extra saliva, sugar free gum can reduce the
risk of tooth decay.
Be aware of what you are DRINKING.
The majority of people are aware that chocolates, cakes and sweets are bad for your teeth. However, there is a lot of
confusion about what drinks will cause damage your teeth. Although diet fizzy drinks, low sugar diluting juices
contain less sugar, theses drinks are very acidic and will also damage tooth substance.
There are only four drinks that are good for your teeth:
Plain milk ( not milkshakes)
Plain water ( not fizzy water or flavoured water)
Tea ( with no added sugar- sweeteners are OK)
Coffee ( with no added sugar- sweeteners are OK)
All other drinks, despite of what it says on the label will damage your teeth.
For further advice please ask any of the team members at the practice or visit our web site www.craigentinny.co.uk
and follow the link to Prevention.