Exploring the Connection Between Nutrition and Oral Health

It is well-known that the foods you consume can have a profound impact on your overall wellness. Your teeth and gums are not the exceptions! What and how you eat can either have big benefits for your smile or big disadvantages. Would you like to learn more about the connection between nutrition and oral health? This blog post touches on some basic principles that you should keep in mind.

How Could Nutrition Affect Your Oral Health?

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can provide your teeth and gums with the fuel they need to stay healthy and strong. For example, calcium and other minerals can help to build up your teeth and prevent decay. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can support your immune system and help you to fight off infections like gum disease.

In contrast, a diet that lacks important nutrients could spell big trouble for your smile. Sustained bad eating habits over a period of months or years could drastically increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, sensitive teeth, tooth loss, and more.

Foods that Support Oral Health

Here are some examples of foods that can support your oral health:

• Calcium-rich foods. Dairy is an excellent source of calcium, but if you are lactose intolerant, you can still get plenty of calcium through other sources, such as almonds, green leafy vegetables, sardines, and more.
• Fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with wholesome nutrients, and some have a crunchy texture that promotes healthy saliva production and a clean mouth. (Be careful not to overconsume highly acidic fruits, such as citrus.)
• Proteins. Protein is essential for whole-body wellness. Poultry and fish are excellent options. Eggs are also a good choice because they are loaded with vitamins.

Foods to Avoid

There is nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while, but most of the time, these foods should be avoided or play a minimal role in your diet:

• Sugary and starchy foods. These interact with oral bacteria and lead to plaque formation.
• Acidic items. Sodapop, sports beverages, and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and cause dental sensitivity.
• Extremely hard foods. Things like jawbreaker candies and bone-in means could cause you to chip a tooth if you are not cautious.
• Sticky foods. Dried fruits and other sticky foods can cling to your teeth, increasing your risk of decay.
• Foods that are not nutrient-dense. Some foods are tasty, but they provide calories with very few micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Most highly processed foods fall into this category.

Nutrition and oral health go hand in hand! Try to make balanced choices so you can keep your teeth and gums in good shape.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is an accomplished holistic dentist who is passionate about helping her patients to enjoy good oral and overall health. She is also enthusiastic about proper nutrition and the role in can play in a strong smile; during your next appointment, she would be happy to give you a few tips! To learn more about how she and our team may be able to serve you, contact Enclave Dental in Southlake at 817-912-1218.