A person’s diet has a big impact on their physical and mental health, but did you know that eating well can also help you avoid gum disease and tooth decay? Tooth decay happens when acidic products from oral bacteria break down your teeth and other hard tissues in your mouth. Certain foods contain more bacteria, which can lead to dental cavities.
While it is incorrect to claim that poor eating habits cause gum disease directly, poor nutrition and diet can hasten the progression of gum disease.
In addition to impairing the immune system as a whole, poor nutrition raises the risk of numerous illnesses. Individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to periodontal diseases. Researchers have also discovered a connection between systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders and oral health. Therefore, eating a balanced diet may lower your risk of developing other diseases in addition to improving your dental health.
What does a healthy lifestyle consist of in terms of a balanced diet?
Eating a well-balanced diet that incorporates variety and moderation is advised. You should make an effort to adopt eating patterns that adhere to the guidelines provided by reputable health organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the American Dietetic Association. Choosing foods from the five main food groups—fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, poultry, fish, or beans—is advised for a balanced diet. Consuming the recommended amounts of vitamins and fiber in your diet can also be helpful.
Drink a lot of water to keep your mouth moist and safeguard your dental health. Both the soft and hard tissues of the mouth are protected by saliva. Use gum or sugar-free candy to increase saliva if your mouth is dry. Tooth decay can result from foods that adhere to your teeth or that contain sugar or starches. Therefore, stay away from soft, sweet, and sticky snacks like cakes, candies, and dried fruits. Choose foods like cheese, nuts, raw veggies, plain yogurt, and sugar-free gum or candies instead. Eat fermentable carbohydrates with your meal, such as chips, cookies, and crackers. Food combinations prevent tooth decay by neutralizing the mouth’s acids. Enjoy cheese and crackers, for instance. Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly when you do indulge in the occasional sugary snack.
Regarding your nutritional status, how can your dentist assist you?
Chewing can be hampered by conditions like joint dysfunction, pain, or tooth loss, which are common in older adults, people following restrictive diets, and people receiving medical treatment. At a time when eating a healthy diet is especially important, people who are dealing with these issues might be too weak or alone to eat. What can you do for yourself or a loved one in these situations? Discuss this with your dentist. A balanced diet that is good for your body and teeth should be recommended by your dentist.