How does our diet influence our dental health?

Our eating habits influence our physical and mental state much more than we think: If we eat better, we feel good physically, we are more resistant to disease, our mood improves and we even rest better. The phrase “we are what we eat” is not far from the truth, although it is perhaps more accurate to say “we feel the way we eat”.

In this article we will focus on how the foods we eat, and the frequency with which we eat them, influence the health of our teeth and gums. Caries is usually the most well-known problem – we are constantly told from an early age that eating sugar and sweets causes cavities –but it is not the only one. There are foods that aggravate the processes of gingivitis and periodontitis, and diets low in “fresh” nutrients reduce our mouth’s defenses against certain bacteria and oral infections, to give some examples.

Conversely, a diet rich in calcium while growing up will help us to have healthier and stronger teeth. Certain foods improve our dental health by helping to keep our teeth clean and balance the bacterial flora in our mouth. Other foods, in moderate amounts, such as red wine or green tea, also contribute to improving our oral health.

Eating habits that improve our dental health

The ADA(American Dental Association) offers some recommendations related to eating habits to improve our oral health: Foods eaten during a meal are less harmful, because when we eat we release more saliva, which helps us to eliminate food debris and reduce the effects of food acids. Water helps keep our mouth clean, and prevents stomach problems that can affect our oral health. Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, protein foods and dairy. If you want to snack between meals, go for cheese, raw vegetables, fruit or yogurt. Many experts recommend following a diet based on the habits of our ancestors, known as the paleo diet. In short, it consists of eating more natural foods and reducing or eliminating processed foods. This diet would increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, animal protein, eggs, nuts, roots, non-vegetable oils and seeds.

However, this diet must be applied in an adapted and rational way, since not all people have the same dietary needs, nor do they perform the same amount of physical activity or have the same general state of health.

On the other hand, it is very important to maintain proper oral hygiene, brushing after every meal and flossing. And don’t forget to visit your dentist at least every six months, prevention is better than cure!