The type of oil and gasoline you put in your car affects its performance and longevity. Just like your car, the kind of fuel you put in your body can make it run smoother. Eating right has been shown to improve mood, health, and energy levels. Additionally, a proper diet can also affect your dental health. Digestion starts in the mouth, so eating a healthy and balanced diet can be crucial. Below, we will discuss how your diet affects your oral health, and how you can improve it.

Avoiding High-Sugar Products in Your Diet

Regular consumption of high-sugar products can lead to serious tooth decay. Sugars can lead to plaque build-up. If the plaque is not removed, it can dissolve the enamel. Over time, loss of tooth enamel leads to cavities and further tooth decay. Because of this, you should be mindful of your sugar consumption. Avoid soft drinks, candy, cookies, and other processed foods with high sugar content.

A Balanced Diet

Generally speaking, a properly balanced diet is important to keeping your body healthy. Along with proper exercise, your diet can make a big impact on your health. You should look to eat a variety of foods throughout the day, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low- or fat-free dairy products.

Gum Disease and Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for the body, but did you know it could be important in staving off gum disease? Low Vitamin C is a common factor in those living with gum disease. Be sure to add fruits like strawberries, oranges, and guava to your diet for extra Vitamin C. Additionally, Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for collagen production. Collagen can help repair damaged gums.

Raw Onions in Your Diet can Reduce Bacterial Growth

Compounds found in raw onions have been proven to kill many unhealthy strains of bacteria that can affect oral health. Add raw onions to your salad or other dishes to help combat bacterial growth.

Omega-3 in Your Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and other fatty fish are an important addition to almost any healthy diet plan. The anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3 can be good for your oral health. Additionally, studies show that Omega-3s can reduce periodontitis.

Hydration and Oral Health

Drinking plenty of water is important for the body as a whole. But, water is also an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy. Drinking water helps wash away food particulates. It also helps aid saliva production, which helps wash away unhealthy bacteria.

Talk With a Nutritionist About Your Diet

While small changes to your diet are always good, many people need to make major changes to their diet in order to improve their health. Before making any major changes to your diet, consider speaking with a nutritionist. They will be able to help you come up with a dietary plan to help you improve your lifestyle.

Oral Health Is More Than Brushing Teeth

While it is vital to brush your teeth twice daily, it isn’t the only thing you can do for your oral health. Many of the choices you make throughout the day can affect your oral hygiene, from what you eat to how you sleep. It is also important to have regular visits to your dentist, to combat oral health issues before they become too serious. Regular maintenance and early intervention are key to ensuring good oral health.

A Center for Dental Excellence does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
A Center for Dental Excellence provides expert dental care to the Brooklyn and Staten Island communities we serve. To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact us or call the office you would like to visit. (718) 232-8289 for Brooklyn, and (718) 980-9555 for Staten Island.