Expert’s Advice on Correlation Between Diet And Dental Health

The common saying, “You are what you eat,” holds a good deal of truth about oral health. When we talk of health, we are talking about everything, including our teeth and all the way down to our toes. The food we ingest plays a very important role in maintaining our dental health. Various dentists suggest that the food and drinks we consume significantly influence the condition of our gums and teeth.

In this blog, we will discuss the connections between diet and dental health and offer some diet tips to keep your teeth strong and bright. Keep reading! For further information, check out how to unlock the potential of nutrition for optimal oral wellbeing.

Beneficial Foods for Oral Health

Not all foods are bad for your teeth. In fact, some foods can help protect and strengthen them. Here are some examples:

1. Dairy Products

Calcium and phosphorus in dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt are worth mentioning for their nutritional value. These nutrients actually develop strong teeth and protect the enamel of teeth from danger. Milk provides calcium for hardening tooth enamel and jawbone. Cheese promotes the production of saliva to eliminate acids and unwanted food particles.

Dairy is very beneficial for your teeth," says a diet expert dentist, Dr Pawan Adhikari. "The calcium and casein found in these foods can significantly reduce tooth demineralisation.

2. Fibrous Foods

Fruits and vegetables rich in fibre, like apples, carrots, and celery, stimulate saliva flow. Saliva acts naturally against cavity formation by helping in the removal of unwanted food particles and the neutralisation of acids. Crunchy fruits and vegetables also keep the teeth clean while you consume them.

Fibre-rich foods act like a natural toothbrush," says Dr. Ravi Roy. "They not only clean your teeth while you chew, but also increase saliva production - an important part of your mouth's defence system.

3. Water

Water is the cheapest and freest good to buy! Drinking water is very important for dental health, especially fluoridated water. Fluoride ingested in this way will wash away food particles from one's teeth, lessen acid accumulation, and strengthen tooth enamel.

Drinking water in excess stimulates the salivary glands, and saliva protects the teeth. And if you are dehydrated, you will have bad breath!

If you have any dental problems, look for an emergency dentist near me and make an appointment immediately to avoid major surgery.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Foods rich in phosphorus work together with nutrients like calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Also, as you chew, they promote saliva production and mechanically clean the teeth.

5. Tea

Polyphenols in green and black teas interact with plaque-producing bacteria in one way or another. They may either kill such bacteria or prevent them from creating acid that harms teeth. 

Green tea is not only good for your waistline, it's also the secret to your smile," says Patir Mikael. "Its polyphenols reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.

6. Citrus Foods

It is well known that citrus foods contain the maximum amount of vitamin C, which is good for gum health. This vitamin aids in the formation of collagen, thereby preventing periodontal problems like gingivitis. Its deficiency leads to swollen and bleeding gums. You can consume foods like oranges, grapes, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli, and spinach.

Foods to Limit: Your Smile’s Enemies

While some foods promote dental health, others can cause problems. Here are some foods and drinks that should be limited or avoided:

1. Sugar-rich foods and drinks

Yes, sugar is harmful, and it is the biggest cause of poor dental health. Consuming too much sugary food and drinks can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Don't know how? Here's how it works:

Sugar and Bacteria:

When we eat sugary foods, bacteria in the mouth eat this sugar and create acid as a byproduct. This acid can erode your tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Frequency Matters:

It's not just the amount of sugar that matters, but also how often you drink it. Frequent snacking or drinking sugary drinks can provide a constant supply of fuel for bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

2. Acidic Foods and Beverages

There are also those acidic foods and beverages. A diet heavy on citrus fruits and tomatoes, coupled with sodas and wines, can attack tooth enamel. Erosion then leads to sensitivity and cosmetic issues, such as staining, all culminating in a greater potential for cavities. If you are unsure about your diet, feel free to consult with a dentist for dental implants for guidance.

3. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods such as caramels, gummies, or dried fruits easily cling to the teeth and are hard to remove with brushing. These foods release sugars into the oral cavity for longer and feed bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

4. Carbonated Drinks & Alcohol

Soft drinks, particularly carbonated ones, work doubly against your teeth. They present a solution of sugar and acid, which can erode your enamel and cause cavities. Even diet sodas damage teeth with their acids despite the absence of sugar. Also, one of the effects of alcohol is the reduction of saliva production- this is quite important for neutralising acids and washing away food particles.

Local Insights: Campbelltown's Dietary Impact on Oral Health

 A child's dietary habits can impact dental health in Campbelltown and the wider South West Sydney region. According to the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids project, 34% of Australian children were affected by early childhood caries (ECC) by the age of five. High intake of sugary foods and drinks was one of the key factors identified.

Additionally, a survey of Australian dietitians showed that 95.5% agreed that oral health can influence nutrition interventions, emphasising the importance of integrating oral health discussions into dietary counselling.

Conclusion

Remember that everything you eat affects your teeth. Eat foods that are nutritious and good for your dental health. Observe the advice of your Expert dentist on improving food choices. Should you require any dental advice, feel free to contact Bradbury Dental Surgery. Remember, your health is in your hands.