How food plays a role in your dental health.

We hear the importance of eating healthy from our doctors, on the news, and even from family members and friends. And of course, it’s for good reason. When we make good food choices and focus on nutrition, our entire body thanks us. But many people don’t realize that when you make those good choices for your body, your teeth and gums are doing an extra special happy dance! In this article, we’ll discuss why nutrition is important for your dental health and why sugar and acidic foods are bad for your teeth. Let’s get into it.

Food choices and eating habits are significant for keeping our teeth and gums healthy. Foods rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus are great because they help protect and rebuild the hard outer layer of our teeth, called enamel. This helps keep our teeth strong and fight off decay.

But, there’s a catch with snacking. Snacking between meals can be bad for our teeth, especially when choosing sugary or acidic snacks. These kinds of snacks can make it easy for cavities to start forming. If you need to snack, pick something healthy like cheese, yogurt, fruits, veggies, or nuts. These are better for your teeth and your overall health.

Impact of sugary and acidic foods on tooth decay.

Eating sugary and acidic foods often can increase the chance of getting cavities, especially if these foods stick to your teeth or if you eat them a lot between meals. Sugary snacks and drinks are particularly tough on teeth. Also, people who smoke or drink alcohol might find they have even more dental problems. So, it’s important to consider what you eat and drink to keep your teeth healthy.

Foods to Avoid for Better Dental Health

You’ve probably figured out that sugary snacks are bad for you and your teeth. But there is more to it than that. So many things contain high amounts of sugar that we don’t realize. To play it safe, here is what is best avoided. Not only will your teeth thank you, but your muscles and bones will, too.

• Empty calorie foods: These are foods that offer little nutritional value but are high in calories. Common examples include candy, cakes, and fast food. These foods can contribute to tooth decay and do not provide the essential nutrients your body needs.
• Sugar-containing drinks: Sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks can be full of sugar. Drinking these regularly can lead to cavities because the sugar coats your teeth and feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth.
• Acidic foods and dried fruits: Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar are acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time. Though healthy in moderation, dried fruits are sticky and cling to your teeth, which can also increase the risk of tooth decay.

Tooth-Friendly Foods Beneficial for Dental Health

Now that we know the foods to avoid, just what can we do to promote our dental health? The good news is that there are far more healthy food options than unhealthy ones. This means finding something to eat or snack on that is good for you is easier than you might think. 

To truly protect your teeth, stick to the following options:

• Calcium-rich foods: Foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great for your teeth because they have lots of calcium, which helps strengthen your tooth enamel. This makes your teeth more resistant to decay.
• Protein-rich foods: Foods such as lean meats, fish, tofu, and beans are rich in phosphorus, which, when paired with calcium, helps repair and strengthen tooth enamel.
• Fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery are nutritious and help clean your teeth as you chew. They increase saliva production, neutralizing harmful acids and washing away food particles.
• Water: Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your teeth, especially if it’s fluoridated. Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria. It also keeps your mouth moist, which fights against dry mouth—a condition that increases the risk of tooth decay.

Focus on balanced nutrition for your dental health.

You’ve probably heard people say one should focus on balanced nutrition, but what exactly does that mean? We get it. It’s a confusing topic. How can your food be balanced? Are we talking about a scale? When medical professionals and nutritionists refer to a balanced diet, they mean eating a variety of foods that give you the nutrients your body needs to function well. 

Protein, carbohydrates, fats, water, vitamins, and minerals include these nutrients. For your teeth, it means choosing foods that help fight bacteria and strengthen your teeth. So, a balanced diet isn’t just good for your body; it’s also integral for keeping your teeth healthy. Think of it as feeding your whole body the right way, from your muscles to your bones to your teeth. That’s what balanced nutrition is all about.

Make a trip to the dentist part of your dental health routine.

While brushing and flossing regularly, and eating healthy and tooth-friendly foods are key to a happy and healthy smile, there is one more critical component—that dental checkup every six months. The truth is that brushing and flossing alone can’t remove all the plaque that builds up in your mouth. Only a dental professional, such as your dentist near Terrell, Texas, can remove that stuck-on plaque.

So, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or you are worried about tooth decay, request an appointment today. We’ll be happy to offer suggestions on the best foods for your teeth, and you’ll leave your office with a freshly cleaned smile—ready to take on the day.