Many don’t know it, but their food choices can also influence their dental health. Maintaining a well-balanced, healthy diet reduces cavities and builds resistance against common dental issues.
How Does Your Diet Affect Your Teeth?
Teeth are stronger as a result of overall wellness. Your body is able to naturally produce all the necessary components to make up strong dental health when fueled by healthy nutrients. Deficiencies in health can directly affect teeth, often showcased in the form of cavities and infection. For example, pregnant women must maintain optimal oral health care and a well-balanced diet to ensure both their health and that of their developing child.
While especially important for pregnant women, nutrient deficiencies affect everyone. The body often repurposes nutrients and prioritizes important areas, such as kidney and heart function, at the expense of healthy teeth and bones. For this reason, it’s a good idea to eat foods rich in vitamins and essential minerals.
So What are Some Good Foods to Eat?
The foods you should be eating are those low in calories while highly nutritious. Meals containing a variety of nutrient-dense foods and high fiber will leave your body truly satiated by providing everything it needs to build beautiful, healthy teeth.
Leafy greens, especially kale. Kale is commonly known as the most nutrient dense food on the planet. While this may or not be true, it does carry a lot of vital nutrients, like calcium, necessary for building healthy teeth and bones.
Parsley and cilantro help to control bacteria and freshen the breath. This helps the body create natural resistance to foreign pathogens that may do harm to the oral environment.
Apples, carrots, and cucumbers, as well as other fibrous fruits and vegetables, gently remove plaque as you eat, acting as interim toothbrushes.
Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth
Drink plenty of water. Water washes away food particles and bacteria left over after meals. Additionally, water is used by oral structures to defend against bacteria.
Limit snacking. Most snacks leave residue on teeth, causing bacteria to spread in the mouth and develop cavities. The less often you eat, the less often food particles are left over to damage dental health.
Brush after meals. This will help keep your teeth free from decay-causing bacteria. This also helps to manage plaque before it can harden to tartar. Brushing after meals not only improves your health, it helps keep your teeth looking clean and breath fresh.
Avoid foods high in sugar. Candy and sugary beverages lead to cavity development because bacteria feed off sugar and produce acids that eat away at enamel. When you snack, rinse with water and gently brush your teeth to dislodge remaining particles.
Learn More
Find out more information about maintaining an optimal diet to improve your dental health. Call our office in Fort Smith, AR, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ward Clemmons today!