Dietary habits are an important factor that greatly affects your oral health. Having a healthy mouth is a reflection of overall health. Correct eating habits play an important role in maintaining oral health. Dietary habits have many factors that affect oral health. The most important of these factors are as follows.
The most important elements of the relationship between nutrition and oral health are the foods and beverages that protect teeth and those that harm teeth.
Some foods are especially important for maintaining oral health. Hard vegetables and fruits, for example, carrots and apples, help clean tooth enamel. These fiber-rich foods also help neutralize the acid attack of the teeth by increasing saliva secretion.
Spinach, kale, chard and similar leafy greens are rich in folic acid, iron and other vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are beneficial for teeth and gums. Also, they fight against oral diseases.
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These oils help prevent gum disease and can strengthen gums. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory effects.
Tea is a drink rich in antioxidants. Green tea and black tea are soft drinks that can reduce plaque buildup and strengthen tooth enamel. However, tea should not be consumed too much as it has corrosive effects. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are also effective in protecting dental health. However, adding sugar to fruit juice is not healthy.
Foods and drinks containing sugar are one of the biggest threats to tooth decay. Sugar is converted into acid by bacteria in the mouth. This causes dental caries by weakening tooth enamel. It is especially important to limit the consumption of sugary snacks and carbonated drinks to protect oral health. Because reducing the consumption of these foods and beverages means reducing the amount of sugar entering both the mouth and the body.
Tooth decay occurs as a result of damage to the outer layers of the tooth, that is, the enamel and dentin layers under the enamel. As sugar consumption increases, these acid attacks may occur more frequently.
Acid attacks resulting from the consumption of sugary foods can cause permanent damage to tooth enamel. Erosion of tooth enamel can cause teeth to become sensitive and cause discoloration. Additionally, as tooth decay progresses, it can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. In advanced cases, tooth loss is inevitable. The treatment for a completely decayed tooth may be tooth extraction.
Calcium is a critical mineral for tooth and gum health. Consuming calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, cheese and almonds helps strengthen tooth enamel. These foods also prevent periodontal diseases. Milk and dairy products offer many positive effects, especially in terms of dental health. Some of these effects are as follows:
-Dairy products are rich sources of calcium. Calcium helps strengthen tooth enamel, the hardest component of teeth. The strength and durability of tooth enamel plays a critical role in protecting against the dental caries development. Calcium prevents tooth decay by increasing the resistance of tooth enamel to acids.
-Dairy products also have the ability to protect tooth enamel against erosion. Acidic foods and drinks can weaken tooth enamel, leading to tooth erosion. Milk helps neutralize these acids and prevents damage to tooth enamel.
-The protein called casein in milk plays an important role in compensating the mineral loss of teeth. Casein covers tooth surfaces, creating a protective barrier against acids. This makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
-Milk and dairy products also protect gum health. Healthy gums are important in protecting the roots of teeth. Additionally, vitamin D found in dairy products is effective in preventing periodontal diseases.
-Dairy products can also help reduce the formation of tooth decay and cavities. The calcium and phosphorus they contain contribute to the strengthening of tooth enamel. Additionally, ingredients such as casein and lactoferrin can stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. These nutrients have a protective effect against gum diseases. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to gingivitis, so it's important to eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries and broccoli.
Poor eating habits are often combined with poor oral hygiene habits. This can worsen oral health. Regular tooth brushing, flossing and mouthwashes can reduce oral health problems caused by poor nutrition. A balanced nutrition program and habit is important to support oral health. A nutrition plan that includes different types of nutrients can provide all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. It also contains several nutrients that are a must for maintaining oral health.
Foods with high acid content, such as fizzy drinks, pickles, tomatoes and citrus fruits, can lead to erosion of tooth enamel. Erosion of tooth enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity, discoloration and tooth decay.
Foods with low nutritional value, such as fast food, chips, and sugary snacks, can deprive the body of essential vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies can negatively impact oral health. Especially vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus deficiencies can cause weakening of tooth enamel and gum diseases.
A diet low in fiber can harm oral health. Fiber increases saliva production in the mouth and promotes the natural cleaning of teeth. Additionally, the fiber in fresh fruits and vegetables is effective in maintaining gum health.
Drinking water protects oral health by increasing saliva production. Because saliva creates a protective barrier against cleaning teeth and acids. Additionally, drinking water can be a healthy option instead of sugary drinks.
If you want to have a healthy nutrition program for your oral and dental health, contact us. Our experts can prepare the most suitable nutrition program for you.