Importance of Diet for Good Oral Health: What Foods to Eat for a Healthy Mouth

We’ve always heard about the importance of good food for oral care throughout our school life and even while we’re adulting. Advertisements are doing a great deal in influencing our diet decisions. We frequently give in to temptations, and sugary treats is the first thing we binge on. It’s difficult to resist these temptations because who doesn’t want treats like these after a hard day’s work? However, the constant treats could be doing more damage to your teeth than you can imagine. A regular oral health check-up can be lighter on your wallet and help you in overcoming dental anxiety.

Here are 4 foods that are bad for your mouth and why you should stop eating them:

1. Carbohydrates - Starchy foods like carbohydrates team up with bacteria that begin the decay process and eventually destroy the teeth. They linger in your mouth, breaking down into simple sugars that bacteria feed on.
2. Sugary and Sticky Foods - Sugary and sticky foods can lead to the accumulation of plaque above your gum line and eventually give rise to gum disease. Consuming sugary drinks, eating a lot of sticky candies and cookies can eventually result in tooth decay.
3. Acidic Foods - Acidic foods could be detrimental to your health. The alkaline diet has got everyone talking, from celebrities to health gurus, they all are selling the benefits of cutting acidic foods out of your diet. Acids and toxins, coupled with stress, can create massive inflammation in your body and it makes your body work a lot harder to deal with the effects of the inflammation caused.
4. Teeth-Staining and Carbonated Drinks - Carbonated drinks are very bad for your teeth and there are some drinks that will erode your tooth enamel and cause stains over time. While you’re getting a gumgasm from having your favorite soda, your tooth enamel is slowly eroding, exposing the protective layer of your teeth. Tonic drinks and fruit juices are not different if that’s what you’ve stocked up in the fridge. Once your tooth enamel is damaged, you are at a higher risk of developing cavities.

Making small diet changes can go a long way in preventing your teeth from being completely damaged.

Here are 6 Foods You Can Eat For Good Dental Health:

1.  Calcium-Rich Foods - Calcium-rich foods that include dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk could be a good pick for healthy and strong teeth. Avoid flavored yogurt and include a cup of plain yogurt in at least one of your meals every day. Drinking a warm glass of milk every day will protect your teeth against gum disease.
2. Vitamin C and D  - Eating foods that are rich in Vitamin C and D will keep problems like bleeding gums and mouth syndrome at - bay. Foods rich in Vitamin C like oranges, red peppers, and sweet potatoes can act as a powerful antioxidant. Foods such as fish and egg yolks that have Vitamin D help your teeth to better absorb calcium. A deficit of Vitamin D would mean a burning sensation in the mouth or a bitter taste in the mouth.
3. Green Tea - Green tea being one of the most sought-after beverages for its benefits. Apart from aiding weight loss, it also helps in lowering the risk of gum disease.
4. Green Leafy Vegetables - Eating your greens boosts the production of red blood cells that can combat gum disease.
5. Carrots and Apples - Crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples are rich in fiber and are great in removing plaque and food stuck on your teeth. More chewing results in greater saliva production, which is excellent in keeping the bacteria away from the gum line.
6. Nuts and Coconut - Nuts have a great amount of fiber, calcium, and other vitamins in them. Coconut water rinses out bacteria in the mouth, keeping infections and viruses at bay.

Author Bio:

Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working at the Smile Clinic, he has witnessed how dental implants can improve people’s smiles and boost their self-confidence. If you are interested in improving your smile or need a dental procedure contact Shen Chao to learn more by emailing him at [email protected] or get more information at www.joshuahongdds.com