Dental Health & Diet
Your body works hard every day to convert the foods you eat into energy. But the food you put in your mouth affects more than just your waistline. Your diet also has a direct effect on your overall dental health, so think twice about what you eat and drink. Developing good eating habits can lead to excellent oral health, free of decay and gum disease.
Food and drink to avoid
It’s best to avoid or at least limit certain foods that can accelerate decay, especially those high in sugar and acidic foods.
When to eat
Snacking between meals – especially on high sugar foods – can lead to more rapid decay than eating the same foods with your meals. If you must eat the mid-afternoon apple pie, reach for your toothbrush afterward. Better yet, swap the pie for a nutritious, sugar-free snack like tomatoes or cheese. Also try to drink plenty of water each day and avoid snacks between meals whenever possible.
Nutrition
It is important to consume nutritious foods from each of the major food groups, including whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and fruits. Not only will it improve the health of your teeth and gums, it will improve your general health and wellbeing too.