subject: Eat Right To Stay Fit And Protect Your Oral Health In The New Year [print this page] We all understand that eating right helps us to stay healthy and in shape. However, eating properly can also benefit your oral health. In the New Year, take the next step toward a healthier you and smile by eating properly. Proper nutrition is important in the maintenance of your oral health, which means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the essential nutrients needed for good health. The foods that you choose to eat come into contact with various germs and bacteria that live in your mouth, which can cause plaque to develop when your teeth are not properly cleaned.
Choosing a Healthy Diet
You can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease by eating a well-balanced diet based on the well-known food pyramid. It is recommended that eating a variety of foods from the five major food groups - grains, fruit, vegetables, milk and meat - are highly important. Vitamin and mineral supplements can also help in the preservation of periodontal health in addition to the boosting of overall health and well-being. Your dentist and family physician can help you determine a healthy diet for your needs.
By eating in moderation and variety you can develop eating habits that follow the recommendations of various reputable health organizations to protect your oral health as well as your overall health. Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which results in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Always keep your mouth moist by drinking water because your saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues. When you have a dry mouth, substitute your diet with sugarless candy or gum to stimulate your saliva.
Additionally, avoid foods that cling to your teeth, which promote tooth decay. When snacking, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods such as cakes, candy and dried fruits. Substitute these snacks with tooth friendly foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy.
Foods that lead to Tooth Decay
Plaque accumulates on the teeth, which are caused from bacteria that thrive off of the sugars and starches that are found in many foods you consume. With time, plaque produces an acid, which attacks your tooth enamel, resulting in decay. Any foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar can cause damage to teeth as the presence of sugar in the mouth accelerates decay. With that being said, limit your intake of sugary items, like candies, cakes, sodas and cookies. If it is not good for your body, then it's probably not very healthy for your teeth either.
