Diet and Dentistry
It may surprise some people to learn that diet and nutrition can have profound effects on overall dental health, but it is true. In fact, eating the right foods is essential to maintaining proper overall oral health.
One of the most well-known conditions spawned from poor diet is tooth decay and erosion. Sugar contributes greatly to tooth decay and to plaque that builds up on enamel. Another damaging factor to teeth is acidic foods and beverages. Sodas, fruit (especially citrus) juices and mineral waters have high pH values and contribute to erosion of the enamel. This occurs in certain foods like pickles, and citrus fruits as well.
A consistent dental regimen – that includes regular brushing and flossing – is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Without proper maintenance and care, sugary and acidic foods and drinks strip away the protective layer of the teeth and can lead to discomfort and pain as the condition worsens if not treated.
Gum disease can also be caused by substances created by plaque that inflame the gums making them red, painful to the touch and possibly bleeding. This makes the mouth susceptible to infection and gum disease.
When attempting to control the amount of damaging foods and drinks consumed, it may be tempting to eliminate as many as possible that have problematic ingredients. But many of these foods – grains, milk, fruits and vegetables – also have essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs. For this reason, it is imperative to research and understand the pros and cons of all foods regularly eaten. And, again, proper oral hygiene goes a long way in mitigating the harmful effects of some foods and drinks.
While there are many foods that have both beneficial and detrimental ingredients, some foods and drinks are wholly undesirable from an oral health perspective. Foods like pastas and breads that are high in carbohydrates can be as damaging as sugary sweets, fruit juices, sports drinks, sodas and other carbonated soft drinks that cause enamel to thin. Most of these foods also contain phosphoric, citric, and lactic or tartaric acids that are leading causes of dental erosion.
Poor diet and nutrition affects the oral health of everyone, but the impacts are especially significant for children, teens and the elderly. To help promote good oral health, it is important to take in nutrients and minerals the body needs. Some of those essential supplements include calcium, that is found in dairy products, beans, broccoli and nuts; iron, that is associated with red meat, nuts, spices and bran; niacin, from chicken and fish; riboflavin, from dairy, yogurt, pasta, spinach and almonds; Vitamin C, from oranges and other citrus fruits, red pepper and sweet potatoes; and Vitamin D that is found in milk, fish, egg yolks and sunshine.
One the best things to remember when considering better eating habits is moderation is key. Eat a variety of foods, but try to cut back on those high in sugar and carbohydrates or that are carbonated. Water will help flush bits of food that can become lodged and decay. Limiting snacks will cut down on sweets and other processed foods.