How Diet Can Affect Oral Health

It’s well known that healthy eating is best for weight loss and your overall health. However, not much know about how it can affect your oral health. First and foremost, cavities can develop when you have an unhealthy diet. Cavities can develop due to bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, supping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Sugars and carbohydrates, which are already infamous for being bad for your waistline, can also lead to cavities. This is due to the fact that when the sugar and bacteria combine, the acid eats away at your tooth enamel which causes holes in your teeth. Tooth decay is also a concern. Consuming foods high in calcium and phosphorus helps re-mineralize or fill any holes that may occur in your tooth enamel.

Well, what foods are good for your health? Firstly, the foods should consist of calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and healthy gums which includes milk, cheese, nuts, and meat. If you’re lactose intolerant, green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are also high in calcium. Other foods that can benefit oral health consist of firm and crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, and carrots. Consuming these types of foods encourages the creation of more saliva, which keeps the mouth more clean by washing away food particles in between your teeth, gums, and tongue. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables can keep you hydrated due to its high-water concentration. The more water you consume, the better chance you have at diluting any sugars in your mouth. The more sugar you have in your mouth the more it can encourage bacteria growth which leads to acid that damages the enamel of your teeth.

Other foods you should avoid maintaining good oral health is highly acidic food. Foods that are highly acidic contributes to an environment in your mouth that is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It can also lead to the development of canker sores. On the other hand, foods that are high in carbohydrates include breads, bagels, potato chips, and even French fries. Foods that are super sugary consist of cookies, cakes, pies, and candy. Also be weary of dried fruit since it can have a high sugar content even though they’re advertised as healthy.

Lastly, keep an eye out on the sugar content of drinks. Aim for drinks that are low in sugar, carbohydrates, and are non-acidic are the best types. Water is your best bet, especially with fluoride. The saliva that is created by drinking water neutralizes the acids and bacteria in your mouth. The fluoride helps to rebuild any soft spots in your tooth enamel. Be careful of drinks like lemonade and soda as well, since they can contain a lot of sugar.