You may have already read about how eating various diets can affect your overall health, but can the way you eat also affect your oral health? Can your diet protect your teeth? There are many different ways that your food and beverage choices can have an impact on the health of your smile and may even benefit your teeth.
Avoiding the Negative
There are some foods and drinks that are known to affect oral health negatively. Foods that are high in sugar or carbs, foods that may leave a sticky residue and foods that get stuck between your teeth are all common culprits that can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. Drinks with high sugar content like soda and fruit juices can also be bad for your teeth by combining with your saliva to create an acidic environment that encourages tooth decay.
With any diet, it’s not just about what you avoid, but what you choose to eat and drink. Choosing sugar free options is just the beginning of how changes to your diet can affect your oral health. There are also many options that actually help support and protect your dental health.
Embracing the Positive
How can your diet protect your teeth in a positive way? By choosing healthy foods to add to your diet like more fruits and vegetables loaded with vitamins and minerals, your food can help support your dental health by providing the nutrients your teeth and the bones in your jaw need to stay healthy and strong. Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, cabbage and chard are all great choices for high mineral and vitamin content.
Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy or high in fiber can also help to massage and stimulate your gums and clean your teeth. Popular choices include apples, carrots, celery and other fruits like pears and watermelon.
Balance is Key
There are many popular diets that encourage consumption of abundant fruits and veggies, lean protein, plenty of whole grains and fiber, and low fat dairy or other calcium sources as well as low sugar content that can benefit your dental health. It’s important to choose a diet that is balanced with enough nutrients to protect your teeth and health.
If you’re still wondering “can your diet protect your teeth?” and trying to determine what choices are right for you, always remember to consult with knowledgeable professionals like your dentist, who can be a good resource to learn more about which options are good for your teeth and smile.
Call our Lubbock Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.