It should come as no surprise, but what we eat has a huge impact on our teeth and gums. Sometimes we can over-focus on what not to eat, but it can be just as important to encourage the foods and nutrients that can help strengthen your teeth. For kids, teens, and adults, a balanced, healthy diet can help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Here is our quick guide to foods and drinks to avoid and incorporate into your diet.
Sugar provides a food source for bacteria, which allows them to thrive in our mouths and cause infection and tooth decay. This means ice cream, candy, and sugary beverages can all create an environment where harmful bacteria can grow unchallenged. Sticky foods like candies are especially dangerous because the food debris gets stuck to the surface of your tooth (especially the back molars), which allows bacteria to cause a lot of damage over time. If you eat candy, always take extra care to brush and floss before bed. Ideally, you should always brush and floss and then have no food or beverages other than water before you go to sleep. This prevents bacteria from sitting on your teeth overnight.
It is also important to understand that even some “healthy” foods for your body can be bad for your teeth. Tomato sauce, for example, is usually pretty acidic. This doesn’t mean you have to take spaghetti off the menu, but you need to make sure you are brushing and flossing. Likewise, many fruits and fruit juices are great for your digestive health, but are sugary.
Of course, dental health isn’t just about avoiding things, but also about making sure you are setting your teeth up for success. Calcium is one of the most important parts of tooth and bone health. You can get calcium in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, but also in leafy greens like kale, or in nuts like almonds. Vitamin D plays an important role in how our bodies use calcium. Fish and eggs can help you get vitamin D in your diet. Foods rich in fiber are overall good for your health. Whole grains, vegetables like carrots, and fruits like apples all have important dietary fiber.
The key to oral health is consistency. A good diet, good oral habits, and routine dental visits all play a role in how your child’s teeth develop and stay safe from decay. If you need to book any family dental appointments in the Chicago area, please give one of our five offices a call.
