Does Eating Well Improve Dental Health?

Brushing and flossing are important aspects of dental health. However, there’s more that goes into maintaining a healthy dental ecosystem. Many people don’t realize that one’s diet can severely affect oral health. If the food one eats lacks essential nutrients, it may affect the health of their teeth and gums. Moreover, dental health and hygiene are essential to overall well-being and health.

Combining a healthy diet and good dental practices leads to healthy teeth and gums. Below, we’ve listed some essential food-related tips to improve dental health.

Avoid Sugar

Poor eating habits often lead to gum diseases, cavities, and tooth decay. Sugar is one of the biggest factors of tooth decay. A diet loaded with sugar, carbs, and starches will likely cause cavities.

When harmful oral bacteria come in contact with the sugar, they release acids that harm teeth. This bacteria infection erodes tooth enamel, further resulting in cavities. Sweetened soft drinks, candy, and snacks with poor nutritional value are some common sources of sugar.

One should limit sugar intake through soft drinks, candies, and snacks. Even if they consume such foods, follow it with brushing and flossing.

Change Snacking Habits

Snacking throughout the day is a common habit. Many people can’t resist snacking even if they know that it increases the chances of acid attacks on their teeth. In such situations, consider snacking smartly. Replace sugary candy with healthy foods to avoid acid attacks on the teeth.

Snacking between different meals is not a good idea as it promotes acid stimulation in the mouth. Instead, make snacks a part of your regular meals. The mouth produces more saliva during meals, which helps wash the food particles away. Saliva also limits the acid effect and prevents tooth decay.

Diet for Oral Hygiene

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and calcium-rich foods strengthen the teeth and ensure healthy gums. Here are some foods that promote dental health:

– Yogurt, cheese, and low-fat milk are good calcium sources.

– Almonds, fortified soy beverages, dark green leafy vegetables, and salmon also strengthen teeth and bones.

– Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, promotes healthy gums. Tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, broccoli, and peppers are other foods rich in vitamin C.

– Phosphorus is another mineral that strengthens teeth. Lean meat, fish, beans, eggs, almonds, and dairy products are some foods high in phosphorus.