Have you ever spoken to your General Dentist about how your diet impacts teeth? It turns out it affects them quite a lot. According to the American Dental Association, the foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums, too. If you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks or non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, but the good news is that it is entirely preventable.
Healthy foods for your teeth
Here are some examples of food that are great (or at least neutral) for your teeth. Notice that most of them are not overly processed and contain very little amounts of sugar.
Fruits
This includes lemons or limes, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, kiwis, grapefruit, avocados or watermelon. Other fruits which contain a lot of sugar can have a negative impact on your teeth.
Lean proteins
These include lean beef, skinless poultry, fish, dry beans, peas and other legumes. Unlike sugars, proteins are complex and large molecules that are not an easy source of food for the bacteria living in your mouth. The bacteria can process this food but with much more difficulty, and so they will grow more slowly.
Dairy
If you are eating or drinking dairy, make sure it is low in fat. Dairy does contain lactose, which is a simple sugar that bacteria like, so it is best to limit your dairy intake.
Vegetables
Vegetables have all of their sugar locked into large molecules called cellulose and starch. Our bodies are equipped to digest these kinds of molecules, but bacteria cannot do so easily. They must expend much more energy for digestion and so they cannot grow as fast.
Water
Now here is a "food" that contains no sugar. There are many reasons to drink a lot of water, and one of them is it will not help the bacteria in your mouth grow and it is great for quenching thirst.
Whole grains
Whole, unprocessed grains have more nutrients and vitamins than wheat that has been bleached. White and bleached flours have mostly been reduced to easy-to-digest sugary components, and so it is a great source of food for bacteria.
Special diets
If you are on a special or unique diet (like those with diabetes), then it is best to work with both your general dentist and physician to determine the healthiest course of action for you. Not everyone can eat the same way, and so make sure to be open with your healthcare team about any changes you are making.
What else can I do?
As always, it is important to brush and floss daily and to visit your general dentist at least twice per year. Maintaining a healthy diet can be just as important because eating is an activity most people do every day. Staying conscious and alert of your eating will help ensure healthy teeth for years to come.
Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist.
Recent Posts
Considering dentures? Read on to learn more. For individuals dealing with tooth loss, dentures might offer a life-changing experience, both for their dental function and aesthetics. Millions of adults depend on dentures for their dental needs. According to a National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey, about 57% of Americans aged 65 to 74 and 51%…
Maintaining optimal oral health requires consistent care and professional guidance. A family dentist plays a crucial role in ensuring the dental well-being of individuals of all ages. From preventive care to addressing specific concerns, regular visits to a family dentist provide comprehensive services that help maintain healthy teeth and gums while preventing potential oral health…
Dentures will give you the freedom to smile, speak, and eat well. These custom-fit restorations can provide comfort while wearing them. Knowing how these restorations can help your appearance, you can make informed decisions before your treatment. Here are the details on how dentures can enhance your smile.Dentures can replace missing teeth and can be…
Dentures are a viable replacement option if you are missing one or multiple teeth. If you are looking for a permanent solution, consider implant-supported dentures. These restoratives are a favorite among dental professionals, as they are known for their durability and long-lasting results. However, patients will need to be able to commit to the somewhat…