Food choices affect every area of your life. The more desserts you eat, the tighter your pants fit. The more lean meat and grilled vegetables you eat, the lower your cholesterol levels are. The more water you drink, the lower the numbers on the scale read. However, it is important to also understand that the healthier your food choices are, the healthier your mouth will also be.
Your body is a complex and intricately connected machine that is dependent on the choices that you make day in and day out. The more junk you allow to enter into your body, the worse you feel, the higher the numbers on the scale read, and the more damage is done to your teeth. Tooth decay is the number one chronic childhood disease in America, and millions of American adults suffer from negative side effects of tooth decay each year. Yet, what is incredibly important to know is that tooth decay is entirely preventable – and your diet has a huge impact.
There are millions of bacteria living inside your mouth every single day. Their job is to help break down food particles left behind after eating and drinking. As they do their “job” they begin producing acids to help them in their endeavors. It is these acids that wreak havoc on the teeth and cause cavities and tooth decay to develop.
Oral bacteria are most attracted to the sugars in the foods and drinks that you consume. They will congregate in droves around left over particles with high sugar contents, over-producing acids that quickly eat through the tooth enamel and gum tissues. Even if you think you are making a wise decision by having a Diet Soda, you are not. While these beverages may not have calories, the artificial sweeteners still taste like sugar to the bacteria inside your mouth – and they will congregate in huge numbers to break them down. Limiting the amount of sugar that is in your diet is essential for a healthy mouth.
A healthy, well-balanced diet includes:
- Water – you should drink at least 8, 8 oz. glasses every day
- Lean sources of meat
- Fruits and vegetables in their natural forms
- Dried beans and legumes
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy products
Ashley Dinh, DDS, understands the direct link between your diet and the health of your teeth. For a beautiful smile that will last for years to come, making wise food choices is essential. A healthy diet promotes a healthy smile.
Posted on behalf Ashley Dinh, DDS
Ashley Dinh, DDS
107 E Holly Ave, Suite 5
Sterling, VA 20164
(703) 430-6655
Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM