Healthy Eating For Good
Oral Health Can Stop Tooth Decay
By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO
What you eat affects your 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 care problems.
The Food Factor in Your Dental
Care
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 oral health problems like
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 and other dental care problems 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 the following:
- fruits
- vegetables
- a good variety of breads
- and cereals
- dairy products
- fish
- chicken
- dried beans
- peas
- 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.
Snacking Smart and Dental Care
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,
oral health and general over-all 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 teeth.
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