Does Nutrition Affect Dental Health?

A proper nutritional diet helps the teeth develop resistance against infections. It also reduces the risks of periodontal diseases and teeth loss.

Did you know that the food you eat affects your general and oral health? Well, it does. Although brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly play a significant role in dental hygiene, nutrition is a key determinant of oral health. So, what is the relationship between food and dental health? Read on as we discuss how nutrition affects dental health.

What Is the Relationship Between Food and Dental Health?

A balanced diet is essential for dental and overall health. A proper nutritional diet helps the teeth develop resistance against infections. It also reduces the risks of periodontal diseases and teeth loss.

Food such as water, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables promote dental health. How? Water contains fluoride that helps teeth develop resistance to acids, while apples and leafy greens have high amounts of fiber, which helps balance sugar.

On the other hand, protein-rich foods such as eggs and meat contain phosphorus, an essential element for strengthening teeth. At the same time, sugar-free chewing gum helps the mouth produce more saliva, which neutralizes acidity in the mouth or the gum of the teeth. The saliva also helps wash out any remaining food in the mouth.

Are There Foods That Are Harmful to Teeth?

Yes! While certain foods are essential for dental health, sugar-filled foods such as candies, soda, and fries are harmful to your teeth. When sugar combines with the plaque in the mouth, it causes acidity that destroys the enamel and results in tooth decay.

Other than sugar, acidic foods such as citrus fruits, black coffee, and some vegetables cause dental erosion and sometimes lead to infection in the tooth cavity. These foods contain acid that causes the enamel to dissolve, exposing it to bacteria.

Additionally, soft drinks contain both sugar and acid, which are a huge threat to healthy teeth. These drinks destroy the enamel, which is the protective part of teeth. Closely related to soft drinks are ice and cold foods. This is another category of food that is harmful to teeth. Ice and cold foods affect the teeth nerves, making them sensitive to touch or temperature changes.

How Can You Take Care Of Your Dental Health?

There are plenty of things you can do to take care of your dental health. A routine dental exam is one of them. A routine dental exam is an important way to identify oral abnormalities and enhance oral hygiene.

Visiting a dentist every six months will help catch a problem early and save your teeth. Early diagnosis of cavities, oral cancer, tooth decay, or gum diseases will not only save you money but also help you maintain oral hygiene.

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