How Your Diet Affects Your Teeth: Best and Worst Foods for Oral Health

What you eat daily shows how well you can manage your body. It also plays a huge role in maintaining the oral health. The appearance of your teeth shows what kind of food you take and how well you maintain them. A trusted dentist will tell you the food you eat and drinks you consume which affect the appearance such as the colour and texture of your teeth.

However, do you know that you can strengthen your teeth with the foods and drinks you consume? It’s true. You can maintain shine and strength by having a healthy diet related to your teeth.

If you are beginning to maintain your oral health or want to have a healthy appearance, the below blog will help you. Read on to learn about the best foods to have and worst items to avoid to maintain the appearance of your teeth.

The Role of Diet in Oral Health

Both your gums and teeth rely on essential nutrients for staying strong and resilient. Consuming certain foods and drinks will enhance the quality of your teeth and gums. These foods do a great job of providing calcium, phosphorous and vitamins. And some other foods help in preventing cavities, enamel erosion and gum disease.

When you maintain a healthy diet, you can maintain the pH level in your mouth. They also help in reducing harmful bacteria and promote saliva production that is needed to wash away food particles and neutralising acids.

Best Foods to Have if You Want to Maintain Good Oral Health

Dairy products

Teeth are made of calcium and find it plenty in dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt. They are rich in phosphorous and help build enamel on your teeth. You can also reduce cavities by consuming regularly. Of all products, cheese stimulates saliva production that helps in washing away the harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Fruits and vegetables

Eating crunchy vegetables like apples, carrots and celery helps you naturally brush away plaque and food particles accumulated on the teeth. They also stimulate saliva production and provide important nutrients like vitamin C that help in gum health.

Leafy vegetables

Eating leafy vegetables is not only healthy for your tummy but also for your teeth. All the greens are rich in calcium and folic acid that promote strong teeth and prevent gum disease. All the vegetables and leafy greens are low in sugar content which is good for oral health.

Nuts and seeds

Having nuts and seeds will give your body natural fats and minerals. Including almonds, walnuts and chia seeds in your diet will help your teeth have calcium and phosphorous that give your minerals to your teeth. Also, nuts and seeds have crunchy texture that remove plaque from your teeth.

Green and black tea

Green and black tea are the best beverages for your teeth. They reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent cavities and gum disease. However, consume these drinks without adding sugar for the better health of your gums.

Lots of water

Drink water throughout the day to wash away the accumulated food particles, bacteria and acids. You can also opt for fluoridated water that strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent decay.

Worst Foods That You Should Avoid at All Costs

Sugary foods and candies

Sticky and sugary foods like candies and gummies stick to your teeth and create the best environment for the bacteria to thrive. It can lead to cavities and decay.

Sugary beverages and soda

All the beverages contain excessive sugar and acid that erode the enamel on your teeth. It increases the risk of cavities and diminishes the health of your teeth.

Citrus fruits and juices

While citrus fruits and juices are rich in vitamin C, they are acidic and erode enamel on your teeth. You should limit their consumption and properly rinse your mouth after having them.

Foods that contain starch

Foods such as rice, white bread, chips and pasta have high levels of glucose that is not good for your teeth. They are like food to bacteria in your mouth and help them thrive eventually leading to plaque and other gum diseases.

Alcohol

Alcohol makes your mouth dry reducing the saliva content. Saliva is necessary in your mouth to wash away harmful bacteria and other food particles. Excessive alcohol consumption will reduce saliva production and make your mouth ideal for the production of harmful bacteria.

Tips To Follow While Maintaining a Healthy Diet for Oral Health

Limiting sugar intake and eating more fruits and vegetables is the simplest way to maintain your oral health. You can be proactive in your oral health by hydrating your mouth regularly with water. Always try to have balanced meals with equal levels of carbs, protein and fibre. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth daily and visiting a professional dental clinic in South Melbourne.