We all know that eating healthy foods is good for the body and mind, but did you know that it’s also good for your oral health? It makes perfect sense, if you give it some thought, that everything we eat comes into contact with our mouths and more importantly, our teeth. So how can we avoid damage to our pearly whites? To start with, we need to take a look at what can happen to them if we don’t and put or best foot forward to avoid it at all costs.
Tooth Decay, Cavities And Caries
This is the most common form of oral health issues. The main causes are usually not brushing properly, sugary snacks and drinks and the bacteria present in your mouth. The carbohydrates and sugars that we consume mix with the bacteria to form an acid that eats slowly eats away at your teeth’s enamel, eventually making holes or cavities in your teeth. In turn, the cavities can cause bad breath and even lead to tooth decay.
Oral Friendly Foods
Foods rich in calcium and phosphorous can assist in remineralising and filling any holes in your teeth. This includes meat, milk, cheese and nuts as well as green vegetables. Eating fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables can encourage the production of saliva, which can help to rinse away food particles which may be stuck on your mouth, gums, teeth and even tongue. Following that same train of thought, fruits and vegetables with higher water content can also dilute sugars which are present in the foods that we eat.
When it comes to choosing things to drink, always look for something low in sugar and carbohydrates, ideally with little to no acid. Try to drink water containing fluoride to hydrate your mouth, rinse out particles, neutralise acid and kill bacteria. Milk, which contains calcium, is great for strengthening teeth and also a great beverage option.
Foods To Avoid
Acidic foods not only cause cavities but can also promote the development of canker sores. The most obvious examples include citrus fruits.
Carbohydrates and sugars combine with the bacteria in your mouth mix and in turn, become acidic. Baked goods such as bread, biscuits and pies are the most common culprits. Dried and preserved fruits also contain high levels of sugar.
Lemonade and cold drinks are should be avoided due to their acid and sugar content. Coffee, tea and cordials are also things to be mindful of.
Regular Check-Up
The best way in order to find out about your oral health and what you should be doing to keep your teeth in tip-top shape is to visit your dentist regularly. A visit will identify any potential issues and give you the insight needed to manage whatever condition you may have and preventing it from worsening.
If you feel any sensitivity or pain while eating or drinking, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. It isn’t one of those things which can be put off; it will become progressively worse and eventually be irreversible.
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