Your Diet and Your Teeth

The foods that you choose to eat and the beverages that you choose to drink have a direct impact on your entire body. The human body is a complex machine, and the health of one part of your body can affect the health of your entire body. Your teeth and oral health are no exception, and if you do not make wise food and drink choices you are putting your mouth at risk for decay and your entire body at risk for disease.
Everything that you put in your mouth affects your teeth. Choosing balanced and nutritious foods and beverages will promote a healthy smile that can last for a lifetime. However, poor eating patterns and food choices can negatively impact your dental health. Tooth decay is caused by dental plaque, that white, sticky film that develops on the teeth each day. Plaque is made up of millions of acid-producing bacteria that attack the teeth and gums and cause cavities and gum disease.
The bacteria that are found inside the mouth are attracted to the small particles that are left behind from the foods and beverages that you consume. These bacteria are most attracted to the sugars from the foods and drinks, and they will congregate around the sugars and work overtime. As they work hard to break down these sugars, they produce an abundance of acids. When these acids come in contact with the tooth enamel and gum tissues, they begin to destroy them. By controlling the amount of sugar in your diet, you can help to control how much acid is produced inside your mouth.
A healthy diet consists of the following:

• Drink a lot of water daily
• Limit your amount of sugary foods
• Eat plenty of whole grains
• Eat fruits and vegetables in their natural forms
• Eat lean sources of meat
• Eat dry beans and legumes
• Consume low-fat dairy products

Your diet has a direct correlation to your oral health and general health. At Heritage Dental, we want to help you make the best choices for your oral health. By making wise food and beverage choices, you can prioritize the health of your entire body – including your teeth.