The Link Between Nutrition and Oral Health
by Arch Dental
You’ve heard that old expression, “You are what you eat.”
There’s no denying that the food and drinks you consume affect your general health.
But did you know there’s also a link between nutrition and oral health?
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- How your diet affects your oral health
- What foods and beverages are best for supporting your oral health
- What foods and drinks to avoid
- And more
What’s the link between nutrition and oral health?
Your nutrition directly impacts your oral health.
How so?
Many of the foods and drinks you consume contain sugars.
Sugars of any kind can potentially contribute to dental issues, including:
- Worn enamel
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
This is because sugar (and artificial sweeteners) are highly acidic.
How does acidity affect your teeth?
The acidity gradually eats away at your tooth enamel.
Two ideas to help preserve the health of your teeth and gums are:
- Enjoy sugary foods and beverages in moderation
- Check the sugar content on the ingredient labels
Some things that have a higher sugar content include:
- Sodas
- Sweet tea
- Fruit juices
- Baked goods
- Candies
- Ice cream
Other items that can also be harmful to your teeth are carb-heavy foods, including:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Potatoes
That’s because carbohydrates eventually break down into sugars.
What foods are good for your oral health?
The foods and drinks that benefit your dental health the most are ones rich in vitamins and minerals.
An excellent source of these nutrients is fresh fruits and vegetables, such as:
- Oranges
- Carrots
- Leafy greens (i.e., spinach and broccoli)
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Bell peppers
One of the most important minerals… This text opens a new tab to the Sensodyne Pronamel website… you need is called phosphorus. This teeth-strengthening substance can be found in:
- Fish
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Lean meats (like skinless chicken)
- Nuts
- Beans
Certain yogurts make a great snack. Yogurt is full of calcium, which helps promote strong teeth and bones.
And:
Some types (such as Greek yogurt) contain higher levels of probiotics, which attack the harmful bacterias in your mouth.
Drinks that are good for your teeth
In addition, water and low-fat or fat-free milk are terrific, healthy drink choices.
Water contains fluoride, phosphate, and calcium, which make your teeth strong. When you drink it, it washes away any leftover food particles in your mouth that could lead to plaque buildup.
Hydrating with water helps keep you energized, and it reduces your risk of getting dry mouth.
Dry mouth allows debris, plaque, and harmful acids to stay on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and enamel loss.
Milk is chock-full of vitamins and minerals like calcium, Vitamin D, and potassium. This promotes strong bones (like your jawbone) and teeth and protects your tooth enamel.
It’s vital to include nutrient-rich foods and drinks in your diet because if you don’t get enough, it may be more difficult… This text opens a new tab to mouthhealthy.org… for your mouth to fight off infection and diseases.
Have any questions about your oral health?
Our team at Arch Dental is here for you.
Dr. Derek Harnish is a true dental expert. He regularly completes 100 hours of continuing education each year, which is well beyond the 16-hour yearly requirement for dentists!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. If you’re located near Fargo, ND, schedule an appointment with us.
Or:
- Call us: 701-235-6075
- Email us: info@archdentalfargo.com
Arch Dental is located in Fargo, ND,… This text opens a new tab to our Google listing… and serves surrounding communities, including Moorhead, West Fargo, Oakport, Dilworth, Horace, Sabin, Detroit Lakes, Lisbon, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.
