A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Mouth
We all are desirous of having physical health. Accordingly, many try to be conscious about the food they put into their body. In addition to promoting physical health, a healthy diet also does your teeth a lot of good!
The Link between Nutrition and Oral Health
Every bite of food you eat brings about a chemical reaction within your body. Can you guess where this chemical reaction first begins? If you said your mouth, you are correct! As food enters the mouth, it comes into contact with the germs and bacteria already present in the mouth. When we fail to brush at least twice a day and floss, the white film called plaque will build up on your teeth.
Starchy and sugary foods cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce an acidic substance that can seriously erode your enamel. This is also true of citrus, such as lemons. This is then the perfect breeding ground for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Pick Mouth-Healthy Foods
Generally speaking, choosing foods that contribute to our physical well-being are going to be good for our teeth. Fruits, milk, cereals, bread, and vegetables- these rate as being pretty healthy. But did you know these can all contain starch and sugars? And of course, candy and things with a high sugar content are to be limited.
Tips
Here are some basic tips from Very Well Health:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups
- Cut down on snacking in between meals
- Limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar
- Brush twice a day
- Floss Daily
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups
They key is balance! Learning to eat a balanced healthy diet will keep you both physically and orally healthy. A good daily oral hygiene routine will keep plaque, cavities, and gum issues at bay. Good mouth health to you from Rancho Dental!