Your body is an intricate system. Your overall health and, consequently, the condition of your teeth and gums will be impacted by the meals you choose and how you consume them. Too much consumption of sugar-filled sodas, sweet fruit beverages, or unhealthy snacks can put you at risk for dental decay. Since tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic childhood ailment, diet can have a particularly significant impact on children’s oral health. Fortunately, tooth decay is completely prevented.

When plaque and sugar in the mouth come into contact, tooth decay results. Sugar is the food source for plaque bacteria, which produce acid that erodes tooth enamel.

Any food containing sugars has the potential to cause deterioration. Examine the nutrition information and ingredient lists on foods and drinks to control how much sugar you consume, and choose low-sugar options. A qualified specialist or your physician may provide recommendations for a nutritious diet. It will be more difficult for the tissues in your mouth to fend against infection if you are deficient in certain nutrients, which can lead to gum disease. Adult tooth loss may be largely caused by severe gum disease. According to a number of researchers, gum disease is more severe and advances more rapidly in those who are malnourished.

Visit ChooseMyPlate.Gov, a website run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, to find out what foods are best for you. Based on their levels of physical activity, the website offers nutrition suggestions for both adults and children.

Smart choices

Think before you eat and drink for a healthy lifestyle and for healthy teeth and gums. Your dental health may be impacted by not just what you eat but also when you eat it. Limit between-meal snacks and maintain a balanced diet. Consider your doctor’s advice when choosing foods if you’re following a particular diet.

When choosing your meals and snacks, bear the following advice in mind for optimal dental health:

• Sip on lots of water.
• Consume a range of foods, such as
  • Whole grains
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Dairy products that are low or fat-free

Do not overindulge in snacking. Choose a single, healthful item, such as fruit, veggies, or cheese, if you’re having a snack. Because a meal releases a lot of saliva, eating food as part of a meal damages teeth less than eating several snacks throughout the day. Saliva reduces the impact of acids, which can damage teeth and result in cavities, and aids in cleaning food from the mouth. Remember to floss every day, see your dentist regularly, and brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste that has earned the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance for optimal dental health. With routine checkups, your dentist can help identify any possible issues and address them as soon as possible, when they are easy to treat and maintain.