The Effects of Nutrition on Your Oral Health By on December 29, 2014

Nutrition & Oral Health

Proper nutrition is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and functioning. Changes in your oral cavity can occur as soon as you have certain foods or drinks. Acid is what starts to attack the enamel on teeth, and begins the decay process. Acid can be either directly contained in the food or drink, or produced by bacteria that thrive on sugar and convert it to acid. Enamel is your teeth’s first defense against tooth decay. If the enamel on your teeth begins to erode or is damaged, you’re at an increased risk for tooth sensitivity and cavities. The effects of nutrition on your oral health is not a new concept, but some of these points might surprise you!

Best Foods For Your Oral Health

Calcium: Cheese helps stimulate salivary flow and the calcium found in it helps replace vitamins and minerals leached from teeth.
Vitamin D: You need Vitamin D to absorb calcium, which builds and maintains healthy teeth.
High-fiber foods: These increase salivary flow because they require longer chewing time. Saliva neutralizes acids that can damage teeth, and contains calcium and phosphates that help rebuild minerals leached away by bacterial acids.
Water: This is the main component of saliva and necessary for tooth and gum health. It also acts as a rinsing agent for foods and sugary drinks.
Xylitol: This is a main ingredient in gums like Wrigley’s, Trident, or Epic brands. It is a sugar extracted from certain types of plants that can actually battle tooth decay.
Green and Black Teas: These contain poly phenols that can kill or suppress bacteria, preventing them from growing or producing acid.
Nuts: Peanuts, almonds, cashews and walnuts provide vitamins and minerals that help your teeth.

Worst Foods For Your Dental Health

Carbonated Sugary Soft Drinks: These types of drinks add a ton of sugar to your diet and it sits on your teeth.
Sticky Sweets: Treats such as Carmel stick to your teeth, exposing them to sugar for long periods of time.
Dried Fruits: Their sugars are highly concentrated when the water is dried away.
Sports Drinks: They are acidic and full of sugar.
Carbohydrates: These can easily become lodged between teeth and in crevices of the teeth.
Drinks and Food High in Acid: These should be consumed quickly preferably as part of a meal, and the teeth should be rinsed well when finished.