Relationship Between Diet and Oral Health

It is known how a good diet helps in keeping ourselves healthy. But one thing that we tend to forget is that it also contributes to our oral wellness. That is correct, of course! Food and drinks we consume everyday directly affects our oral health. Read on to find out what’s good and bad for our teeth!

Cavities

Dental cavities are one of the most common oral health issues brought on by food and drink consumption. Cavities or tooth decay can occur due to various factors such as:

• Bacteria
• Frequent snacking
• Consumption of sugar
• Inadequate tooth brushing

Here are a few interesting facts about Australian youth:
- Aged between 5-10: Have an average of 1.5 decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth
- Aged between 6-14: Have an average of 0.5 decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth

How are they formed?
In the mouth, bacteria along with sugars and carbs mix to form acid. The acid that is formed eats away the hard covering on the teeth known as tooth enamel. This causes holes or cavities in the teeth. Want to know if you have a cavity? Book an appointment at Melbourne’s best dentistry to find out.

These cavities cause problems such as bad breath and tooth decay. This can be controlled by consuming foods high in calcium and phosphorus. It is well known that calcium and phoshorus contain special properties that help to repair or fill in any holes in the tooth enamel.

Good Food = Good Oral Health

Following are the best recommendations that are recommended for maintaining healthy teeth:

Calcium and Phosphorus rich food like:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Nuts
• Meat
• Green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach

There are food types that create more saliva which further washes away food particles out of crevices in the oral region. They are:

• Apples
• Pears
• Carrots

Fruits and vegetables are also high in water content.

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What to Avoid: Acidic and Sugary Foods

As already mentioned in the article, higher the acidic level of the food likelier would be the chance to get cavities and other oral health issues such as canker sores.

Let us understand why carbs must be avoided. As part of the digestion process, carbs break down into sugar. This broken down sugar combines with the bacteria in the mouth and becomes acidic.

Common foods high in carbohydrates that must be avoided are:
– Breads
– Bagels
– Potato chips
– French fries.

Examples of high sugar content food items are:
– Cookies
– Donuts
– Cakes
– Pies
– Candies

Raisins and other dried fruits also contain sugar. They tend to be sticky in nature.

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Drinks

The same rules apply for drinks as they do for foods when it comes to oral health. Drinks that are low in sugar, carbohydrates, and are non-acidic are the best types.

Water with fluoride is the optimum in drinks for oral health. The water flushes food particles from between teeth and out of crevices. It also hydrates your mouth, creating plenty of saliva to neutralize acids and bacteria. The fluoride helps to rebuild any soft spots in your tooth enamel.

Other good drink choices include milk, which is high in calcium to strengthen teeth, and unsweetened teas.

Although a favorite summer-time drink, Lemonade is acidic and often contains sugar. Sodas are another drink that are highly acidic and may be loaded with sugars. Other drinks to be careful of include coffee and teas with added sugar, hot chocolate, and flavored drink mixes.

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Dentists

Professional dental offices such asHume Dental Hub in Campbellfield Melbourne, are the best sources of information about what foods are best for the health of your teeth and gums. Book an appointment with us today!

After a thorough examination, the dentist can assess the overall health of your mouth and suggest modifications that could be made in the foods you eat to help address any issues or concerns.

Schedule an appointment today and let the professionals at Hume Dental Hub assess the needs of you and your family. They can explain the relationship between you and your family’s diet and your oral health.

FAQs

What role does diet play in my oral hygiene?

Diet plays a significant role in oral hygiene. There are certain foods (rich in carbs and sugar) that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. On the other hand, there are foods (such as foods rich in calcium and phosphorus) that help in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

What are some tooth-friendly foods?

Tooth-friendly foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products like cheese and yogurt (which can help neutralize acids in the mouth), lean proteins, and nuts. Drinking water, especially fluoridated water, is also beneficial for oral health.

How does sugar contribute to tooth decay?

Sugar feeds the bacteria present in the mouth. This leads to the production of acids that further wears down tooth enamel and cause cavities. The more frequently you consume sugary foods and drinks, the more likely you are to experience tooth decay.

How does hydration impact oral health?

To keep your teeth healthy, you must drink enough water. In addition to preventing dry mouth, which can exacerbate dental decay and bad breath, drinking water helps wash away food particles and germs and stimulates saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and remineralizing tooth enamel.

How often should I brush and floss my teeth regardless of my diet?

It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and gums. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial for maintaining oral hygiene.

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