Nutrition and Your Teeth
Did you know that nutrition has a huge impact on dental health? Perhaps you did, since eating a lot of sweets is often associated with cavities. But were you aware that your dental health can effect your nutrition as well?
According to the American Dental Association, “A bidirectional relationship exists between oral health and diet and nutrition”. This relationship is centered around the tissues in our mouth. If they are unhealthy, nutrients may have a difficult time being broken down and absorbed. Our nutrition can also pose a risk of cavities, wear on the teeth and periodontal disease.
It is extremely important to take care of your whole body, including your teeth. Here are some ways to improve nutrition and dental health:
Floss floss floss! As tedious as it may be, it is extremely important to floss each day. Reasearch suggests to floss each day before bed, but some suggest to floss after meals as well. You should discuss what flossing regimen works best for you with your dentist.
Cut back on the sugar! There are many reasons why you should reduce sugar in your diet, but for the purpose of dental health, you want to reduce your sugar intake to prevent cavities. It is recommended that women consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day and men no more than 36 grams. Pro tip: when you consume something high in sugar, brush your teeth right after or if you are out and about, drink some water and swish.
Brush your teeth day and night! It is very important to keep a regular brushing schedule of twice per day. Brushing first thing in the morning and right before bed is ideal for proper dental hygiene.
Watch the acidic foods! Foods high in acidity can cause damage to your enamel. Try your best to monitor your intake of foods high in acidity by reducing them in the diet, adding a base to help neutralize them (olive oil in tomato sauce) and drinking some water after an acidic meal.
Treat your GERD! Acid reflux can pose a risk to your dental health so if you are suffering from heart burn, seek the help of a gastroenterologist and dietitian to manage your symptoms.
Dental hygiene and nutrition go hand in hand, and with these tips you will be setting your teeth and your nutrition up for success. For more information on dental health and nutrition, send an email to nutrikaywellness@gmail.com
Reference:
Nutrition and oral health. American Dental Association. (n.d.). https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/nutrition-and-oral-health