et’s face it. When we think about eating healthy and consuming nutritious foods, we’re usually considering factors such as weight loss, heart health, bone health, or just feeling good about ourselves. However, how often do we think about our food choices with regard to our oral health?
We all know that candy, cakes and cookies have the potential to give us cavities and eventually “rot” our teeth if we eat too much. That’s a given. The truth is that the food we ingest is not only vital to our entire body’s development and function but also to our oral health. Eating habits and food choices are important factors that affect how quickly we may develop tooth decay.
Speaking of tooth decay, did you know that the destructive effects of soda, juice, and the popular energy drinks are a major cause of early childhood cavities and decay among both children and teenagers? One 12 oz soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar as well as acid. Diet soda and energy drinks includes both citric and phosphoric acid, which may cause direct demineralization of the tooth enamel. This is why it is extremely necessary to practice good oral care.
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To reap the benefits of excellent oral health you need to have good nutrition practices. For this reason, it is necessary to promote the importance of balanced meals with plenty of vitamins and minerals as well as regular/ conscious hygienic habits.
There are two well -known dental conditions directly influenced by diet and nutrition: Dental cavities and tooth decay. Although poor nutrition is not the only factor on the diseases, they play an important role on their existence. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection which may cause periodontal disease.
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Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease, the disease develops faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not provide the required nutrients. Talk to your physician and/or your dentist for more detailed information regarding your current case.
How Can You Maintain Your Oral Health With Proper Nutrition?
- Eat a healthy, wholesome balanced diet with a plethora of fruits and vegetables
- Make sure to drink an adequate amount of water
- Limit your snacks to nutritious foods that are low in sugar. Opt for natural fruits instead.
- Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups
The Bottom Line
Always ask your dentist if you’re not sure how your nutrition or diet may affect your oral health. Conditions such as tooth loss, pain or joint dysfunction can impair chewing and are often found in elderly people, those on restrictive diets and those who are undergoing medical treatment. People experiencing these problems may be too isolated or weakened to eat nutritionally balanced meals at a time when it is particularly critical. Be sure to talk to your dental health professional about what you can do for yourself or someone you know in these circumstances.
