Nutrition and Good Oral Health
By Tammy Davenport
Updated July 12, 2016
Choosing the right foods in your diet is an important aspect of having healthy teeth and good oral hygiene. Establishing good nutritional habits in kids and teenagers can be especially beneficial for good eating patterns and food choices throughout their lives.
How Nutrition affects oral health
The foods that you eat come in contact with the germs and bacteria that live in the mouth. If you don’t brush, plaque will accumulate on the teeth.
Plague thrives on the starches and sugars that are found in a great deal of foods. When plaque combines with the sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks enamel on the teeth, and eventually causes decay. According to the American Dental Association, the acid attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more.
Choosing a Healthy Diet
Choosing a healthy diet may sound easy, however, fruits, milk, cereals, bread and some vegetables contain sugars and / or starches. Carbonated sodas, sweet fruit drinks, and sugary snack foods should be limited.
You don’t have to avoid these foods, just keep in mind that you should eat a balanced diet, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
Healthy Tips
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups
- Cut down on snacking in between meals
- Limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar
- Brush twice a day
- Floss Daily
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups