Most people don’t understand that their food choices and eating patterns contribute to their dental health. The general perspective and understanding of everyone is that a balanced, nutritious diet is key to healthy living.
The human body can be described as a complex machine. Your diet and the frequency at which you eat can not only affect your general body health but also that of your teeth and gums. For instance, too much sugar foods and beverages can result in tooth decay. The body works very hard to ensure all the foods you eat are converted into energy. It is important to develop good eating habits so as to avoid dental conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay.
When the plaque on the teeth combines with the sugar from the beverages and foods you eat it forms an acid that attacks the teeth thus resulting in tooth decay. The American Dental Association points soft drinks, pastries, candy, and cookies as common sources of sugar in the diet. If you feed on a diet that lacks certain nutrients your mouth tissues may not be able to resist infection thus causing gum disease. Severe gum disease has been reported to be one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults.
Should you Change your eating habits?
Probably yes but it is important you consult your physician first. You can as well discuss with your dentist about the types of foods you are or should be eating if you are on special diet. This will help you develop eating habits that can optimize your dental health.
What changes will your Dentist Recommend?
If your diet consists more of sugary foods, this is the first thing to change. Your dentist will recommend that you drink plenty of water every day and avoid snacks between meals. Your diet should comprise of nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. This will improve you’re the health of your gums and tooth as well as your general health.
Apart from maintaining a healthy diet, you should floss and brush your teeth every day and visit your dentist at least after every six months for oral exams and cleanings.