Diet and Teeth what’s the connection?

Tooth Decay

Our bodies need nutritious foods to keep them healthy. The dietary choices we make each day affect all of our body systems and organs, including our teeth and gums. When we consume too many products with sugar, we are increasing the risk of tooth decay. While tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease, it is preventable.

What exactly is tooth decay? It is damage to the tooth’s enamel. The bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the surface of your teeth. Sugary foods and drinks lead to the formation of plaque, or colonies of harmful bacteria. In turn, plaque causes cavities and damages the enamel, which leads to fillings and in severe cases – extractions.

In addition, if your diet is missing certain nutrients, your gum tissues may be prone to infections. Severe gum disease can cause bad breath and tooth loss in adults. You can always ask your dentist, or a registered dietician, for suggestions on eating a healthy, well-balanced, low sugar diet.

Dental Erosion

Acidic foods can cause dental erosion, slowly dissolving the tooth enamel. All foods and drinks have a pH value. The lower that number is, the more acidic the product. Anything with a pH below 5.5 is considered to be erosion-causing. High pH values cancel out acids. Products with high pH values are called alkalis. For reference, pH 7 is the middle value between acid and alkali.

Here are some exemplary pH values of common products:

• Mineral water (still) pH 7.6
• Milk pH 6.9
• Cheddar cheese pH 5.9
• Lager pH 4.4
• Orange juice pH 3.8
• Pickles pH 3.2
• Cola pH 2.5
• Red wine pH 2.5
• Vinegar pH 2.0

Making smart food choices 

To stay healthy, always think before you eat and drink. Consider the products you consume as well as when you eat them because it can affect your oral health. Try limiting snacking throughout the day. It’s better to eat 3 meals a day than 7-10 snacks. However, if you do feel like having a bite between meals, choose wisely – some raw veggies, nuts, a breadstick or cheese. Try to limit fruits as they contain sugar and acids that can hurt your enamel. Rotate fruits with other, more savory snacks. Make sure to eat a good variety of foods from the 5 major food groups: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins (lean meats and legumes), and low-fat dairy.

So does that mean no sweets at all? Not necessarily. It’s all about moderation. If you want to have sweet foods, fine, but make sure you’re having them at mealtimes. Just be careful with how often you’re consuming sugary foods and drinks. Remember, in addition to tooth decay, they can also cause a range of other health problems, like heart disease and being overweight.

Reach Out to Smiles in Shelby Today!

To schedule an appointment and discuss your dietary habits, call Smiles in Shelby today. Our dentists will gladly examine your teeth and gums, and offer the best treatments for you. We’re waiting for your call!