Category: Oral Health

The increased accessibility of sugary, sweetened and non-nutritious snacks is an ongoing health concern for dentists. These foods generally have little nutritional value and, over time, can cause serious issues for your teeth.

Dr Joe Oliver is a pioneer in the field of cosmetic dentistry, and is known as one of London’s most experienced and reputable aesthetic dentists.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr Oliver has placed over 40,000 veneers, and has treated celebrities such as Helena Bonham Carter, Sophie Ellis Bextor, and Olivia Atwood.

Here, he shares 5 dietary habits that can lead to tooth problems.

• Malnutrition – malnutrition has little to do with how much food you eat, but rather how few nutrients you’re getting. It’s very possible to eat a lot, but get very little out of it in the way of vital nutrients. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection which may contribute to periodontal disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

• An unbalanced diet – a balanced diet consists of eating foods from each of the five major food groups and a limited number of nutritious snacks. Missing out on important nutrients and filling your mouth with harmful alternatives will negatively affect your oral health, not to mention your overall wellbeing.

• Sugary foods – most foods contain some type of sugar but added sugars (such as those found in sweets and sodas) contain far more than is needed for a healthy diet. Sugar is one of the single biggest contributors to tooth decay!

• Sticky or chewy foods – foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay, so when you snack, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods such as cakes, candy and dried fruits. Instead, choose alternatives such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy.

• Fermentable carbohydrates – to limit their harmful effects on your teeth, carbohydrates are best eaten as part of a meal instead of by themselves. Combinations of foods neutralise acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay.

If your dietary habits are causing oral health issues, get in touch with our world-class team today for a consultation!

Sometimes, good intentions aren’t always the best choices. You can think you have the perfect hygiene routine and diet for your teeth, but there may be small mistakes you are making that are essentially working in the opposite way where your teeth are concerned.

Below, Dr Joe Oliver, who has worked with a variety of celebrity clients, shares how everyday habits could actually be negatively affecting your teeth.

1. Brushing your teeth after breakfast. It’s logical to think the best time to brush your teeth in the morning is after you’ve had your coffee and toast. But it’s really more beneficial to brush your teeth as soon as you wake up, to eliminate all the bacteria which has formed overnight. You should then rinse your mouth with mouthwash after eating breakfast.

2. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your teeth as hard as possible with a rough bristled brush may appear a good way to get rid of stains and plaque, but it could actually be counterproductive. A hard brush can damage your gums and protective tooth enamel. It’s much better to use a semi-soft toothbrush instead for the best results.

3. Flossing after brushing. Flossing is great in removing food debris in between teeth, but it should be done before you brush them. Flossing before and not after means your teeth are as clean as can be.

4. Regular snacking. Eating in between meals is inevitable, and there’s nothing wrong with it. But you need to ensure that your snacks are healthy options which benefit the teeth, such as crunchy vegetables or unsalted nuts. Unhealthy snacking on sugary products means you’re exposing your teeth to more bacteria between main meals, which also encourages more plaque to develop. This can lead to decay and even tooth loss, which is a problem that is completely avoidable! If you’ve suffered a tooth loss or two, learn more about your options to restore your smile.

5. Using your teeth as a tool. It may seem like a great party trick when someone uses their teeth as a bottle opener, or you cut the Sellotape using your teeth when you’re busy wrapping presents. But using your teeth to open things or using them in any way which isn’t to chew your food can eventually wear away the teeth – or even chip and break them.

If you think you may have already caused some damage, book in for a consultation with Dr Joe Oliver here. Learn more about the variety of cosmetic treatments Dr Joe Oliver offers here.

Interested in more top dental tips? Check out the rest of our blog here!