May 24, 2018

Want Healthy Teeth and Gums? Your Dentist Says Your Diet Matters!

Filed under: Uncategorized — charleswalker @ 1:42 am

healthy foods vegetables fruits grainsIn your quest for better oral health, you are exploring ways to make improvements in your daily routines. You’ve learned that your oral hygiene plays a big role, along with visiting your dentist for checkups. Still, your local dentist says there’s another component that you may not have thought of – your diet. As you read on, you’ll learn how you can enhance your oral health and prevent dental problems by improving your food intake.

Why is Food Important to Your Oral Health?

Your food intake is vital to your oral health because it governs the environment inside your oral cavity. Eating is an activity that you participate in throughout the day, so your teeth and gums are constantly being bombarded with debris and bacteria.

Where Does Bacteria Come From?

Bacteria are always present and without them, there could be no life, so they aren’t all bad. However, when you eat, you attract the harmful ones as any leftover food begins to decay in your mouth, serving as sustenance for the acidic intruders.

Bacteria will flock to leftover food, eat and multiply, and their favorite source of fuel is sugar. Thus, a diet full of processed ingredients and different types of sugars will lead to an environment infested with bacteria.

How Do Bacteria Affect Oral Health?

Bacteria are very acidic in nature. Thus, they will cling to your teeth and begin to bore holes if not addressed. The holes – also called cavities – will only get worse if not treated. Then, a chain reaction of events will unfold.  A simple cavity will morph into gum disease and can lead to tooth loss.

Thankfully, there is a way to fight back.

How to Eat for a Healthier Mouth

If you want a healthier environment within your mouth, then there are a couple of diet changes that you should consider, which include:

  • Natural Eating – Consuming whole foods like fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs and can even aid in protecting your teeth. For example, eating better provides your saliva with special digestive properties that reduce the amount of debris lingering in your mouth. The helpful enzymes will also coat your teeth to aid in protecting your enamel.
  • Eating for Balance – By eating a variety of foods, you are also more likely to enjoy a healthy pH range in your mouth, which helps to avoid any problems like dental caries and more severe cases of decay.

It’s very possible for you to lead a normal life, full of fun and enjoyment, which includes enjoying your favorite delights. The key is to do things in moderation. Instead of consuming the majority of your diet in the form of processed foods, strive to reverse the ratio. Thus, you can eat healthier and reserve special moments where you let your hair down. By doing this, you’ll be able to experience improved oral health.

About the Author

A graduate of the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Charles Walker has over 30 years of experience providing care. He uses his knowledge as a microbiologist, coupled with his skills as a dentist, to provide his patients with the best experience at Confident Brilliant Smiles. For more information about his services, you can contact Dr. Walker through his website.

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