What you eat has a direct effect on your body. Food impacts your dental health and overall wellbeing. Eating a well-balanced diet can help enhance your immune system while also keeping your gums and teeth healthy.
Your oral health, food, and nutrition are all linked in some way. Diet and nutrition may keep your mouth healthy. At the same time, how nutrients are absorbed depends on how healthy your mouth is.
A dark side of this is sugar, which is a major cause of tooth decay. A high-sugar diet dramatically increases your chances of getting cavities. How does this diet impact your overall oral health?
The sections below explore the connection between a high-sugar diet and the general state of your teeth. They also touch on other bad and good foods for your oral health.
Impact of Nutrition on Oral Health
Nutritional balance is essential for good tooth and jaw development during childhood and adulthood. Diet has a significant impact on the mouth, so an unhealthy diet can contribute to a number of oral health issues.
These problems include tooth decay and cavities, dental erosion, mouth sores and infections, gingivitis, gum disease, and oral cancer.
This is why a nutritious and balanced diet is an important component of proper oral hygiene. Also included in your dental maintenance are regular dentist checkups and daily brushing and flossing.
Foods That Are Terrible for Your Teeth
Food has a number of effects on oral health, both internally and externally. The correct nutrients can support healthy gums and teeth, while certain foods are more likely to cling to your teeth from the outside and have a negative impact.
For instance, when acids react with bacteria in the mouth, plaque forms, and acids attack the teeth. This raises the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and dental erosion.
Foods That Contribute to Tooth Decay
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, impacting more than 80% of the world’s population. Sugar in sweets, candies, pastries, and sodas reacts with bacteria in the mouth to produce an acid that eats away at tooth enamel.
Tooth decay develops when bacteria in plaque combine with food or drinks to produce acids that eat away at the enamel.
Sugary Snacks and Oral Health
The greatest way to maintain good dental health is to eat as little as possible between meals. Snacking in between meals extends the time acid has to assault your teeth, increasing your tooth decay risk.
If you snack, brush your teeth afterward or thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
Foods That Are Great for Your Teeth
Several vitamins and foods are beneficial for your teeth and overall well-being. It is important to consume nutrient-dense foods from a range of dietary groups.
A well-balanced diet will help you keep your general and oral health in good shape. This means eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and high-protein foods.
Calcium is an essential nutrient for oral health. It protects you from tooth decay, cavities, and dental erosion by strengthening your enamel.
Phosphorus is another mineral that is good for strong teeth. It is mostly present in teeth and bones and is necessary for the maintenance of strong teeth and bones once they have been developed.
Vitamin C can help your gums and immune system, both of which are beneficial to your dental health. Citrus fruits, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes are all excellent sources of vitamin C. However, be cautious of their acid content.
Conclusion
Cavities are prevalent and are frequently caused by poor oral hygiene and a sugar-rich diet. Eat a balanced and healthy diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and fibre-rich foods to lower your risk of cavities.
As much as possible, eat natural and lean foods. Processed meals contain a lot of refined sugar, which increases your chances of getting cavities.
Experience preventive dentistry in Dundas with Royal East Dental! We also offer emergency dentistry, pediatric dentistry, Invisalign, and root canal treatment. Contact us today to set up a dental appointment.