21 Sep What You Eat Plays an Important Role in Your Oral Health

Why is a healthy diet so important for good oral health?

Proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the nutrients needed for good health and wellness. If your diet is low in the nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have a more difficult time resisting infection. This may contribute to gum disease which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Foods high in carbohydrates, sugars and starches greatly contribute to the production of plaque acids that attack the tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, forming a cavity.

What are the foods you should avoid or limit?

• Too much sugary food and drinks
• Avoid any foods that stick to your teeth, because these can produce more plaque
• Too many citrus fruits can be acidic and break down enamel
• Coffee, tea and red wine can stain teeth
• Toffees can crack teeth

What are the good foods and drink for oral health

• Water is the best drink for maintaining your oral health.
• Phosphorus-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk and eggs help to strengthen your teeth
• Fruits and vegetables are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fibre, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth.
• Nuts contain protein and minerals important for overall health. In addition, nuts that are low in carbohydrates don’t add to your risk of cavities. Plus, chewing nuts stimulates saliva production, which can reduce your risk for tooth decay.
• Dairy products contain calcium and they neutralise enamel destroying acids

Keeping your and your family’s teeth healthy, depends on cleaning in between your teeth once a day, brushing your teeth twice a day, and seeing your dentist regularly, but your diet also plays a role in the health of your teeth. Foods containing sugar are a particularly common cause of tooth decay. You don’t need to avoid them altogether, but making them a treat will help protect your teeth for years to come.

If you wish to discuss your families dental health or require dental health advice, please all the dental surgery on 01543 411 088 to make an appointment.

We look forward to meeting you at Spires Dental in Lichfield soon.