Food choices and nutrition play a major role in your oral health. Good choices give the teeth all they need to remain strong and healthy. Bad choices can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Let's take a closer look at how your food choices can affect your dental health.
Important Nutrients for Your Daily Food Intake
Let's start from the inside. A healthy diet provides essential nutrients to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. That means fewer visits to the dentist.
Which nutrients are the most important for oral health? Many nutrients play a role in keeping gums and teeth healthy. However, some are more critical than others. Here are six key nutrients you need:
• Calcium - Calcium is well-known for building strong bones and teeth. It helps harden the enamel on your teeth and strengthens the jaw bone.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is a key nutrient for strengthening the gums and other soft tissues. It helps prevent gingivitis, and keeps teeth from working loose.
• Vitamin D - A Vitamin D deficiency will prevent the body from being able to absorb calcium.
• Potassium - Potassium helps keep the blood from becoming acidic and leaching calcium from the bones and teeth. It also works to improve bone density.
• Vitamin K - Vitamin K helps oral health in a few ways. It blocks substances known for breaking down bone structure. It's key for producing a critical protein important to bone strength. If there's a Vitamin K deficiency, you will be more likely to bleed and heal slowly.
• Vitamin A - Vitamin A helps keep oral soft tissues in good health and lets them heal quickly.
Eating a healthy diet will help you get the nutrition you need. However, your choice of food will directly impact the outside of the teeth and the inside of the mouth. Here are a few foods you can add to your meals to promote good oral health inside and out.
• Carrots - Carrots are high in fibre, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. The fibre helps increase the production of saliva which washes bacteria away from the gums.
• Celery - Celery's fibrous nature acts as a natural toothbrush, getting rid of food particles that promote bacteria growth. It's also a great source of Vitamin A and C.
• Apples - Apples are high in water and fibre. The fibre promotes saliva production, which combines with the water to rinse away bacteria and food particles. It a great way to end a meal.
• Almonds - Almonds offer both calcium and protein, both essential for strong teeth.
• Cheese - Cheese offers a good dose of calcium and protein. Plus, it increases the pH level in the mouth, which reduces the chance of cavities.
• Leafy greens - Leafy greens like kale and spinach come with a large dose of vitamins and nutrients.
The Impact of Bad Foods On Your Oral Health
If you choose to eat the wrong foods, you could end up having problems with your teeth and gums. What impact can bad food choices have?
• A diet devoid of nutrients does impact oral health.
• Sugary foods and beverages increase the chances of getting cavities.
• Sticky foods like candy, raisins, and honey can cling to teeth and make cavities more likely.
To promote good oral health, it is recommended that patients limit or avoid certain foods such as:
• Hard candy - which is full of sugar which promotes cavities. It can also cause chipped or broken teeth.
• Citrus fruits - Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges are acidic, which promotes tooth decay.
• Soda – soda is acidic and promotes tooth decay. Regular sodas are worse because they contain sugar.
• Bread - Bread breaks down into a starchy mass when you chew it. This can cling to the teeth.
• Ice - While it doesn't impart any calories, chewing the ice can cause tooth chips and breaks.
If you choose to continue including these foods in your meals, brush your teeth more frequently and floss regularly. It is also crucial to stay up to date with your dental check ups at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. Your food choices have a serious impact on your oral health. Make wise food choices and avoid the bad ones. Contact us today to book an appointment for a dental check up to be aware the condition of your oral health.
