Healthy Eating for Good Oral Health
By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO
What you eat affects your
oral health destiny. You can dramatically impact
your dental health by eating a well-balanced, healthful diet.
Research has shown that poor nutrition jeopardizes our
oral health,
which puts you at risk for a number of serious dental problems.
The Food Factor
Our food choices can make a big difference in two of the most common
diseases today: tooth decay and gum disease. Certain foods,
especially those containing sugar, are directly linked to increased
levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Tooth decay results when acids
from the bacteria attack the teeth forming cavities. While diet
doesn't directly cause gum disease, a condition affecting the
supporting tissues of the teeth, researchers believe the disease is
more rapid and severe when poor nutrition is a factor. Gum disease
is a serious problem, since it can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
Diet and Dental Health
The American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of
Health recommend eating a well-balanced diet including plenty of
fruits, vegetables, a good variety of breads and cereals, dairy
products, fish, chicken, dried beans and peas, and meat. Enjoying
a variety of foods is the best way to get all the important nutrients
needed for keeping healthy. Beware of fad diets that exclude entire
food groups. This can cause nutritional deficiencies.
Snack Smart
Snacking is a favorite pastime, but certain snack choices promote
tooth decay such as soft, sweet, sticky foods. Select nutritious
snacks better for your teeth and general good
oral health, especially
colorful, juicy fresh fruits and crisp, crunchy vegetables. Choose
your snacks based on any other dietary concerns, such as low
cholesterol, low-fat, or low sodium diets.
If you snack on crackers, cookies, or chips, it's better if you eat
them in combination with other foods, such as cheese with crackers,
rather than alone. This is because these foods when eaten alone tend
to produce more bacteria in the mouth leading to tooth decay.
Remember, each time you snack, oral bacteria is activated. Drink
plenty of water to rinse away some of the disease-causing bacteria.
If possible, brush your teeth after snacking.
Select from the wide variety of foods for healthful eating -- that
are good for you and your
oral health.
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