A Healthy Diet Keeps Your Body and Teeth Healthy

March is National Nutrition Month!

The USDA describes a healthy diet as one that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free or low-fat milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy diet is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. Without a balanced diet, health problems, including tooth decay can be the result.

Eating patterns and food choices are important factors that affect tooth decay

Almost all foods have some type of sugar. Sugar mixes with the bacteria in your mouth to produce acid. The acid goes on to attack your enamel for the next 20 minutes! These acid attacks can lead to decay, once the decay has destroyed your enamel, it does not grow back. A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin your teeth.

Reduce Your Risk

  • If you must consume acidic or sugary food and drinks, do so with meals. The amount of saliva produced during a meal can help neutralize the acid produced. It is also better if all of the ”assaults” can occur at only meal time as opposed to throughout the day.

  • If you crave sugar in between meals, grab a piece of fruit, nuts, or cheese instead of junk food or candy

  • chew sugar free gum, it helps to stimulate saliva production and neutralize acidity

  • drink water, water is great for your entire body, helps to rinse away sticky food debris, and contains no sugar!

  • Brush and Floss Twice Daily, the food particles that remain in your mouth after you eat needs to be mechanically moved from your teeth by a toothbrush and floss daily.

Specific Foods that are Good For Your Teeth

  • Cheese: Cheese raises the pH (decreases acidity) and contains calcium and protein that strengthens your teeth

  • Yogurt (with no added sugar): Yogurt also has calcium and protein as well as probiotics that can crowd out the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities.

  • Leafy Greens: Full of vitamins that help to strengthen teeth and reduce inflammation.

  • Apples, Celery, and Carrots: When eaten raw, these fibrous foods can help to give your mouth a good mechanical scrubbing as you chew. They help to scrape off debris and food particles from the gums, the tongue, and the teeth.

    Ask your dentist if you need any additional tips concerning your diet as it relates to your teeth. Always consult your primary care physician prior to changing your diet dramatically. Discuss alternatives when food allergies or intolerances affect your diet.

Ashley Seide