Maintaining good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing regularly. What we eat also plays a significant role in the health of our teeth and gums. A healthy diet can help prevent oral health problems, while an unhealthy one can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
So, what are the best and worst diets for your dental health? Here, we look at the healthiest and the least healthy diets that can impact your smile.
The Best Diets for Oral Health
- A well-balanced diet. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and leafy greens is essential for overall well-being, including your teeth and gums [1]. These foods are packed with vital nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which help to build strong teeth and bones.
- Diets rich in fruits and vegetables. Foods like apples, carrots, celery, and leafy greens require more chewing, stimulating saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize harmful acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C that support healthy gum tissue.
- Diets that include lean proteins. Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts, are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They provide essential amino acids for repairing and maintaining tissues in the mouth [2].
The Worst Diets for Oral Health
- Diets high in sugar. High-sugar diets are one of the biggest culprits behind tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks like candies, cookies, cakes, energy drinks, and sodas provide a breeding ground for bacteria that produce harmful acids. These acids attack tooth enamel, increasing your risk of sensitive teeth, tooth discoloration, and cavities.
- Diets that include lots of sticky foods. Foods that are sticky, such as candies, dried fruits, and granola bars, tend to stay on the teeth longer, increasing the risk of tooth decay [3]. Additionally, processed foods often contain added sugars and are generally low in nutritional value.
- High-acidity diets. Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, sodas, and alcohol, can erode tooth enamel over time. Acidic foods soften the enamel, making it more vulnerable to decay.
Your Diet Is Crucial for a Healthy Smile
Maintaining good oral health is a balance between a healthy diet and proper oral hygiene practices. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly are still crucial for a healthy smile. By choosing the best foods for your teeth and limiting or avoiding the worst ones, you can take significant steps toward achieving and maintaining excellent oral health.
Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/food-tips
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9653899/
3.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4062
