Diet and nutrition are important aspects of your health - what goes on in your mouth affects your oral health as well as the health of your entire body. In addition to tooth decay, a poor diet can contribute to a variety of dental diseases that affect your teeth, periodontal structures and mucosa.
When you eat healthy foods and snacks like fruits and vegetables throughout the day, your oral and general health will benefit; however, food that is high in sugar or non-nutritious snacks, or drink soft drinks or sweetened fruit drinks result in poor oral and general health. At the same time, eating foods with a high acidic content can damage the enamel on your teeth, exposing the inner layer of your teeth and lead to painfully sensitive teeth.
The single most common chronic childhood oral disease is tooth decay and it is entirely preventable through diet and good oral hygiene. Tooth decay happens when plaque comes in contact with sugar in the mouth, causing acid to attack the teeth.
Adopting healthy eating habits along with good oral hygiene practices help in fighting tooth decay and other dental diseases. Foods like whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables and lean meats help to maintain strong teeth while foods like cheeses, chicken or other meat, nuts and milk provide calcium and phosphorus to protect the enamel on your teeth. Healthy snack items include nuts and seeds, fruits, peanut butter, cheese, plain yogurt and popcorn as well as drinks that are low in sugar content.
In addition to diet, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing your teeth daily and visiting your Dentist regularly are effective in promoting dental health. With regular dental care, your Dentist can help prevent oral problems from occurring in the first place and catch those that do occur in the early stages.
The dental professionals at Lansdowne West Dental at 1524 Lansdowne Street West can advise you on the benefits of diet and good oral health hygiene. To arrange an appointment, call 705-742-9999 or email them at dentist@nexicom.net. For more information visit their website www.lansdownewestdental.com.