October 19, 2021

How your eating habits affect your dental health

Did you know that some foods that are considered beneficial to our body can turn out to be detrimental to your long-term dental health? It's paramount to be mindful of what you consume to ensure you enjoy a healthy smile for more years to come. Your eating habits are directly proportional to your general health and also the health of your teeth and gums.

Whatever you consume has an instrumental impact on the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Chewing and swallowing are the primary stages of the extensive journey through your digestive system. The nutrients you take come into contact first with your mouth, significantly impacting your oral health.

Many foods on the standard American diet constitute sugary, processed foods and highly acidic beverages, leading to wearing out of your tooth enamel, thereby propagating cavities. Therefore, it's paramount to focus on consuming healthy foods that assist in the promotion of oral health. Nutritional counseling in dental practice advocates the importance of nutrition in dentistry as a vital component of improving or safeguarding oral health.

Focusing on eating a balanced diet will boost your intake of tooth-friendly nutrients like calcium. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, including safe drinking, suppresses your risk of enamel erosion and cavities, preserving your smile looking more nourishing and longer. Keep reading to keep yourself abreast on dos and don'ts for maintaining prolific dental health.

Foods that affect your dental health

Sugary foods

Confectionaries like chewing gum, candy, suckers, and gummies are clear triggers. Did you know that even fruit juices, energy drinks, and sports drinks usually constitute refined sugar too? Sugary substances get stuck on your teeth and aggravate tooth decay-a state that can transform to more severe levels for those struggling with an improper diet. It's paramount to steer away from soft and sweet foods that stick to your teeth, like candy and cake.

Carbonated drinks

These are the leading sources of excess sugar in the kids and teen diet. Soda and energy drinks aren't good for teeth because they contain high sugar content. Several of these manufactured beverages are comprised of phosphoric and citric acids, which erode the tooth enamel.

Starchy foods

Starchy foods get stuck to and in between the teeth. Food that consists of high levels of carbohydrates acts like sugar, therefore, impacting your oral health.

Citrus

Wine, fruits, and juices generally contain acids. Though consumption of these drinks isn't considered unhealthy, exposure of your teeth to the high amount of acids erodes your tooth enamel over time. This erosion makes it more susceptible to the development of cavities and decay.

Hard foods

Cutting down on extra hard food can avert the cases of teeth breakage. Chewing things like hard candies and nuts is one of the leading causes of this prevailing dental emergency.

Caffeinated foods and drinks

Caffeine propagates several negative impacts on your dental health, including stained teeth and causing a dry mouth. Caffeine is consumed chiefly with sugar, which promotes teeth decay. Drinks like coffee, tea, and sweets contain caffeine.

Alcohol

Regular drinking can culminate into a dry mouth, which amplifies the risk for oral infections and gum ailments. Excessive alcohol consumption heightens the risk of contracting oral cancer.

Recommended foods for your dental health

Sometimes it's a daunting task to choose meals that promote excellent oral health. A well-constituted diet is characterized by two prime features: variety and moderation. The importance of nutrition in dentistry is critical, and dentists advocate four major food groups as stipulated below.

Foods rich in calcium: They include cheese, leafy greens, yogurt, and almonds assist in safeguarding and rebuilding your tooth enamel.

Foods rich in protein: This group constitutes meat, poultry, and fish, providing your body with minerals that are pivotal for developing and preserving solid teeth.

Fruits and vegetables: They safeguard your teeth from decay by neutralizing acids and mitigating food constituents in your mouth.

Water: Safe drinking water is the ultimate choice of drinks at any given disposal. Water detoxifies your body, and unfiltered water comprising fluoride turns out to be the most tooth-friendly beverage.

Observing a well-balanced diet containing minerals and vitamins improves your general health and is instrumental in averting oral illnesses. It's also paramount to seek the services of a dental health professional who will explain the Role of nutrition in prevention of dental caries and other oral issues before they become complex.

Everything you consume directly impacts your whole body; that is why it's crucial to visit your dentist regularly, as they are the only professionals who possess the expertise and skills to address oral health care needs adequately. Moreover, they address the importance of nutrition in dentistry to promote magnificent oral health for your teeth and gums, positively impacting your overall body health. In a nutshell, a properly balanced diet is paramount to your general and dental health.