Diet and oral health are inextricably linked. A number of foods promote tooth and gum health, whereas several others only cause harm. But how can you tell which is which? To help you make the right food choices, Albion Family Dental offers the best and worst food options for your oral health.
Stick to Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are excellent for overall health and just as helpful for preventing tooth decay. One unique way they contribute to oral health is that they almost always require a lot of chewing. Options like celery and apples are crunchy and full of water, naturally cleaning your teeth surfaces. They also stimulate the production of saliva, which is vital for dental health. Your saliva is packed with substances that help fight the effects of bacteria.[1]
Carrots are also excellent options for preventing cavities because they contain vitamin C, vitamin K, keratins, and even small amounts of calcium — all crucial for dental health. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce have calcium, folic acid, and several other minerals and vitamins that promote healthy oral structures as well.[2]
Boost Healthy Proteins
A nutritious diet is not complete without the right proteins. Protein-rich foods help repair tissues throughout your body, but you must choose healthy proteins that won’t leave residue on your teeth. Nuts do a great job with this. They’re packed with zinc, phosphorus, and many other minerals. They require lots of chewing, too, and promote saliva production.
Healthy proteins can also include lean meats. Chewing meat assists in reducing acidity in the mouth because of the saliva production it promotes. Additionally, fatty fish like salmon are rich in phosphorus, which works together with calcium to strengthen teeth.[3]
Avoid Sugar
Sugary drinks and foods may taste great, but they wreak havoc on your teeth and overall dental health. Any food choice with a significant amount of sugar can cause bacteria to thrive and promote plaque formation. Plaque eats away at your enamel and exposes your teeth and gums to infections. Additionally, sugar is a key culprit in the progression of oral diseases and a factor in many health problems.
Avoid soft drinks and juices with added sugar, candy, and even foods that might unexpectedly contain significant amounts of sugar, like fast food. Other sources of sugar you want to watch out for are:
- Breakfast cereals
- Milk
- Yogurt
If you do eat foods containing sugar, make sure you rinse your mouth after eating and follow with a thorough brushing to avoid issues such as cavities and tooth decay.
Steer Clear of Acidic Foods
Acidic foods are a nightmare for tooth enamel. They cause tooth erosion, exposing your oral structures to bacteria and, therefore, leading to cavities. Although saliva does fight against erosion and tries to return the pH in your mouth to a more balanced state, it can struggle to do so if you consistently consume acidic foods and drinks.[1]
Keep in mind that some foods are obviously acidic, like sour candies, but others are more subtly dangerous. Diet sodas, for example, are highly acidic.[4] Other acidic foods and drinks include:
- Tomatoes
- Coffee
- Tea
- Pickles
- Alcohol
- Dried fruit
- Citrus fruits
If you do eat or drink something acidic, make sure to rinse your mouth afterwards to remove any residue that could harm your enamel.
Get More Insights Into Diet and Oral Health
Brushing your teeth and flossing is not the only thing you should do to maintain good oral health. The process also requires that you pay attention to what you consume.
At Albion Family Dental, our experts encourage patients to pay attention to diet and oral health to help prevent cavities and reduce the risk of gum disease. We offer gentle dental care to make getting treatment as anxiety-free as possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions.
To learn more about your diet and its connection with oral health, call our team at 585-589-9044.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7076334/
[2] https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/11/7/1994
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1607551X13003021
[4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/diet-soda-good-or-bad#preterm-delivery-and-childhood-obesity