Did you know that your oral health is very closely linked to your diet? The old adage that you are what you eat is especially true when it comes to your dental health. A healthy diet can lead to fewer dental cavities, less tooth decay, and fewer oral diseases. From sugary sodas to acidic foods, you could be doing your teeth and gums a disservice with your diet.
Learn more about how nutrition and oral health are linked in this quick guide:
Preventing Tooth Decay From Sugar & Acidic Foods
Dental cavities may seem like a relatively common problem, but they can easily be avoided with a balanced diet. When you consume too much sugar or acidic items, your enamel often gets eroded. It’s not just sugary foods that are bad for you and contribute to this issue; carbs also turn into sugars.
The same is true of acidic foods like citrus fruit juices, vinegar, and sodas. Given that some of these foods fall into both categories (high sugar and high acid), the tooth enamel will weaken, making it more likely that cavities will develop.
Stick to Healthy Eating
If you want to kick poor oral health and periodontal disease to the curb, it starts with eating foods that are good for your oral tissues. Chances are that you already know the foods that you should be eating: Whole grains, proteins, calcium, fibre, and healthy fats. These foods will provide your teeth with the nutrient-dense foods they need to be strong and healthy.
Drink More Water
Of course, there’s another easy way that you can achieve optimum oral health, and it's actually fairly easy: Drink more water. Dental plaque is less likely to build up when you consume water. The American Dental Association advocates for drinking water that has fluoride added as a way to improve periodontal health as well.
If you don't have any water handy, you can also chew a piece of sugar-free gum to get saliva flowing. This cleanses the teeth of sugars and harmful ingredients while reducing plaque and creating stronger teeth. You might be surprised at how helpful this simple move can be after a meal!
Consult a Dentist for Professional Help
Your dentist can do more than clean your teeth. They can inform you about what habits you need to start putting in place to prevent cavities and gum disease. You need a top dental clinic in Winnipeg to facilitate a healthier smile. East Kildonan Dental Group is here waiting to help you get the beautiful smile you've been dreaming of!