How Does What You Eat Affect Your Oral Health?

Making great choices in your diet can benefit multiple aspects of your life. In a study published by the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, unhealthy diets were linked to the development of oral infections and issues such as gum disease.  For National Nutrition Month, don’t just make healthy decisions for vanity’s sake, make them knowing that they will improve your overall quality of life. Here are some foods you should include and others you should avoid for your oral health. 

How Does What I Eat Affect My Oral Health?

Eating excessive amounts of sugary and carb-filled foods can cause multiple problems for your overall health. Not only are these types of diets linked to heart disease, strokes, and diabetes, but they’re also connected to oral problems like cavities and gum disease.

When your diet is comprised of high amounts of carbs, sugars, or starches, it can give you bad breath, cause enamel corrosion, and plaque buildup. When carbs break down into simple sugars, they can turn your mouth into a bacterial breeding ground. Once your enamel starts to deteriorate, it leaves you susceptible to developing oral health problems such as infections.

Sugary foods are your teeth’s worst enemy. Excessive amounts of these kinds of snacks can not only be bad for your physical health, but they are also known to cause tooth decay.

Which Foods and Drinks Can Help My Teeth?

Smart nutritional decisions can have a great impact on your teeth and gums. Healthy foods and drinks to consider incorporating into your daily diet include:

• Water
• Fibrous vegetables like celery
• Dark green and orange vegetables
• Proteins such as fish, nuts, and beans
• Low-sugar beverages such as flavored waters and nutrition drinks
• Whole grains
• Low-fat and fat-free dairy

Incorporating produce like fibrous vegetables can help scrub plaque and tartar from your teeth while keeping your smile fresh and bright. Eating white dairy products is another way to restore your enamel and whiten your teeth. Because these items include calcium, they are able to fortify your oral health as well. Also, drinking plenty of water helps to rinse and dislodge food debris from your mouth, preventing buildup.

Which Foods and Drinks Can Hurt My Teeth?

Eating anything in excess can potentially be bad for you, but these items can heavily impact your smile and overall health. From leaving stains on your teeth to causing dental decay, you’ll want to watch out for the following:

• Excessive amounts of citrus
• Chips, French fries, and pretzels
• Soda and sports drinks
• Alcohol
• Candy
• Juice

Most of these foods and drinks are high in sugar or carbohydrates. They can increase the amount of bacteria and acid present in your mouth. Acid can drastically corrode your enamel and leave your teeth defenseless to cavities and other infections.

If you do decide to indulge in these foods every now and then, it’s vital to keep up with your oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing. Taking care of your overall health means ensuring your oral health is also in good shape. Your dentist can give you tips on how to best care for your oral health during your regular six-month checkup and cleaning. They can also spot any problems like cavities and fill them before they cause further damage. This National Nutrition Month, dedicating yourself to make a couple of healthy changes in your life could boost your oral health!

About the Practice

Our dentists at Cranbrook Dental Care offer decades of expertise and comprehensive care. Our team strives to provide the highest possible quality of treatment and positively impact our patient’s overall well-being. Our patients keep coming back because we make them comfortable and feel genuinely cared for. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact 248-647-5434.

by: Dr. David Banda at April 16, 2019.