Most of us understand the impact that our diets have on our bodies. Too much salt can cause bloating and high blood pressure. Too much sugar leads to obesity, lethargy, diabetes, and a whole slew of other health problems. What we eat and drink affects our mouths in the same ways—some foods and drinks help us achieve optimal oral health and others lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Want to know which foods and drinks to avoid and which ones to consume more of? Continue reading for that and more from our Lombard dentist.
Foods That Harm Oral Health
It’s no surprise that candy, sugary drinks, ice cream, and other desserts are at the top of our list. In most cases, these foods provide little to no nutritional value and give way to disease-causing bacteria. That’s not to say you should never indulge, but to limit yourself and practice good oral hygiene to combat decay and disease.
When sugars and starches sit on the surface of the teeth, the bacteria in the mouth feed on them, multiplies, and turns into acid that eats away at the dental enamel, causing cavities. It can also turn into plaque and tartar which leads to decay and gum disease.
Surprisingly, even some nutritious foods like tomatoes, oranges, pineapples, lemons, and grapes damage the enamel on our teeth. In moderation, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, but too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. For example, if you drink lemon water every morning, you may notice that your teeth begin to ache or feel weaker after a few days. Try drinking through a straw or switch to drinking lemon water every other day and follow it with pure water to rinse the acid off the teeth.
Here’s another tip that isn’t commonly known: after eating or drinking a sugary or acidic substance, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to give the enamel a chance to harden.
Foods That Benefit Oral Health
Thankfully, more foods contribute to good oral health than do harm. Here are four categories of foods that promote healthy teeth and gums:
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, and almonds contain high amounts of calcium that strengthen dental enamel just like it strengthens bones.
- Vegetables: Eating fibrous vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and Brussel sprouts can help clean teeth and balance sugars while chewing. These also stimulate saliva production which helps neutralize acids and remove food particles from the teeth.
- Fruit: Even acidic fruits contribute to healthy gums (just remember to eat them in moderation!). Other fruits that promote good oral health include apples, pears, watermelons, and strawberries.
- Protein: High-protein foods like red meat, fish, poultry, and eggs also contain phosphorus which helps protect and rebuild tooth enamel.
Water, green tea, and milk are the most beneficial drinks for teeth. Try to limit your consumption of sodas, coffee, and black tea to just one drink a day!
For more tips from our Lombard dentist…
Contact us today to make an appointment. Dr. Julie Glud loves welcoming new patients into our family. Our office treats patients of all ages with all types of oral health care needs. Call (630) 629-5700 to schedule an initial consultation.
