It shouldn’t be surprising that diet and dental health go hand in hand. The right diet can help in preventing gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even oral cancer. On the other hand, a poor diet can be one of the main contributors to poor dental health. We should all already know that eating sugary foods can cause tooth decay. This means that a diet that mainly consists of sweets can seriously harm your teeth. Thankfully, if you are looking for a diet-related solution to oral health, it is possible to find.
What does a healthy diet for dental health consist of?
A poor diet is one that doesn’t nourish your body properly. When your body lacks the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that it needs to function, then it is more susceptible to disease. Although diet alone does not cause things like periodontal disease directly, it can affect a disease’s speed of growth because your body will not be able to fight it effectively. So what exactly, should we eat?
One thing to make sure you are getting enough of is leafy greens. These healthy snacks are not only loaded with tons of vitamins and minerals that will keep your teeth strong, they are very low in sugar, meaning they won’t contribute to dental decay.
Another contender on the list of foods that contribute to a healthy mouth is cheese. According to a study published in 2013, consuming cheese may help to prevent cavities. It’s thought that the chewing required to eat cheese improves saliva production which is your body’s natural anti-cavity defense. Cheese is also high in protein and calcium, which is important for strong teeth. Another thing that strongly correlates with healthy teeth is PH. If your mouth’s PH is too low, you are at risk of tooth decay from erosion. Interestingly, the study shows that after eating cheese, the PH of the mouth rises significantly, which is beneficial for good dental health.
The most important part of good dental health, though, is simply a healthy diet. A balanced diet that is low in added sugars can be your best friend in preventing gum disease, strengthening your teeth, and contributing to a beautiful smile.
