Nutrition and Oral Health
Diet plays a significant role in oral health.
Even for those with otherwise healthy habits, you could still be making some dietary mistakes that may add up to tooth decay.
Here are 5 ways you may not realize how your diet is affecting your oral health.
1. Even healthy foods can be full of hidden sugars.
Naturally, we tend to crave and enjoy sugar. Those who are nutrition-savvy understand they should avoid foods and beverages with a lot of added sugar, but what you may not realize is that your diet could still contain an unhealthy amount of hidden sugar.
Manufacturers pack sugar into seemingly harmless products like pasta sauces, salad dressings, breakfast cereals and ketchup. You may even believe you’re reaching for mouth-healthy choices when you choose items like fruit smoothies, yogurt, granola, protein shakes, organic cookies and bottled tea,. However, they could still be loaded with sugar. It’s important to recognize that the cane sugar, honey, maple syrup and fruit concentrates used to sweeten natural food products can still cause tooth decay.
It’s important to check food labels so you are aware of the amount of sugar – obvious or hidden, processed or natural – in the foods you eat.
2. Refined carbohydrates can harm teeth just like sugar does.
Refined carbohydrates can contribute to tooth decay. When starches remain in the mouth for a long time, they break down into simple sugars. Bacteria in the mouth then feed on these sugars and produce acids. Refined carbohydrates in foods such as white bread, crackers, pretzels and pasta can be just as harmful for your teeth as the more familiar and obvious culprits containing refined sugar.
Reach for the complex carbohydrates like whole grains, corn and wild rice rather than refined carbohydrates and starchy foods.
3. Sequencing of food consumption can play a role.
Did you know it is not just about what you eat, but when you eat?
For instance, cheese eaten after a meal or after sweets can help prevent the production of acids in the mouth. Drinking water with or after a meal helps rinse sugars from tooth surfaces.
Snacking and grazing on chips, pretzels, crackers or candy and sipping sugary drinks throughout the day can increase the risk of bacteria and cavities as well.
Be sure to drink water with or right after your meals and if you are able, brush your teeth after snacking. Reducing the length of time the food remains on your teeth can help prevent cavities.
4. Hydration is an important part of a healthy diet.
Water is crucial for oral health. Water helps wash away food particles that may cling to teeth, and it also helps form saliva, which helps the mouth defend against decay. Drinking fluoridated water helps keep teeth strong and reduces cavities.
Hydration is especially important if you experience dry mouth or take medications which cause this condition. Saliva production helps neutralize acids in the mouth and inhibits the formation of plaque.
Staying adequately hydrated is an important component of oral health and overall wellness.
5. Alcohol can harm your oral health.
Drinks high in alcohol can cause dry mouth, which boosts the chance of cavities. Many popular mixed drinks increase your chances even more with the added sugar and citrus juices, which can be highly acidic and eat away at tooth enamel. Some alcoholic beverages can also stain your teeth.
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