Your Jacksonville, FL dentist Dr. Shields and her team want to support you in your quest for a happy and healthy smile. We offer cleanings, exams, whitening treatments, fillings, and  cosmetic restorations to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

You can maintain your smile by eating a well-balanced diet. A well balanced diet provides your body with proper nutrients to promote overall wellness, including oral health. From the moment you consume food, bacteria in your mouth creates acid to break down the food. The acid that forms to breakdown the food can wear down your tooth enamel, leading to demineralization and, ultimately, cavities. Remineralization is the process when teeth regain minerals. Saliva helps minerals to build back up in teeth. Dental decay begins inside the tooth enamel when minerals are being lost faster than they are being regained. More acids will be produced when food is near the bacteria on the tooth for extended period of time.

To support dental health, your diet should include meats, whole grains, nuts, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Limit sugary foods such as cookies, candies, and soft drinks. Unsweet tea, water, and milk are the healthiest beverages for your smile. If you have questions about what you should be eating to support your oral health, contact the team at Smiles by Shields for more information.