Most individuals aren’t surprised to learn that their eating patterns play an extremely important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Although this information is widely known, they still tend to stray away from it. Proper nutrition is not only important for your teeth, but it is important for your entire body. Eating a well-balanced diet can supply your body with the essential nutrients that it needs to maintain an overall healthy balance. When your body is low in nutrients it not only puts it at risk of infections, but it can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. So, what types of foods should you take advantage of and how does nutrition really affect your oral health?
Poor Nutrition Results In Tooth Decay
In today’s world, more and more individuals are consuming sugary foods. This is especially true for the younger generation, as you can clearly see from the obesity rates in children and teens. Sugary sodas and fruit drinks, as well as non-nutritious snacks can have a negative impact on your oral health as well. And this is not to even mention the fact that these foods have absolutely no nutritional value. When bacteria from these foods come into contact with your mouth they produce an acidity substance. This substance will attack your teeth and erode away the enamel for twenty minutes. If you were going to consume these types of food, it would be best to rinse with water immediately after consumption. Do not directly brush your teeth because this can have negative effects as well.
Stay Away From Protein
If you speak with any professional at Ironwood Dental clinic they will immediately tell you to limit your intake of protein. Yes, protein does contain an abundance of nutrients that the body needs to function properly, but it specifically fuels the acid in your saliva. Protein is full of phosphorus and sulfuric acids that will just erode away at the teeth over time. Any healthy male should focus on a diet that consists of 63 grams of protein daily, while the healthy female should focus on a diet that consists of 50 grams of protein daily. Unfortunately, most Americans are consuming twice this much, which will have horrendous effects on the teeth.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Those sticky foods like raisins, honey, fruit snacks, licorice, and molasses might taste great, but they can cause cavities quicker than you could ever imagine. These foods that are high in starch tend to cling to the surfaces of the teeth, especially in some of those hard-to-reach places, such as the areas in between the teeth. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you cannot consume these types of foods in moderate amounts. However, if you are going to consume them you need to make sure that you are flossing and brushing on a regularly.
Remember to take steps to keep your teeth in good condition. Otherwise, your problem is going to spiral out of control and begin impacting other aspects of your health.