What you eat not only affects your health, but your dental health as well. Eating unhealthy food will put you at risk for oral problems that might develop into something serious.
The kind of food you eat affects the condition of your teeth and gums. Food that is high in sugar increases the level of bacteria in your mouth that will cause you to have cavities. Cavities cause your teeth to decay.There is no direct link between gum disease and the food you eat. However scientists believe that poor nutrition can speed up the development of gum disease. Gum disease is a condition where the tissue and bone that hold the tooth is inflammed. When this happens, your gums become sensitive and bleed easily. You develop bad breath; and your tooth becomes loose. Gum disease is a serious threat that should not be taken lightly.
According to the American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health,if you want to have healthy teeth, you should eat more of
- vegetables
- fruits
- peas
- dried beans
- dairy products
- whole wheat bread and cereals
- fish
- chickenhttp://www.doctilo.com/article_writing/index.php?e=64
- meat
Your meals should be a balanced mix of these food types. Do not engage in diets that prohibit you from eating some food groups. It will deprive your body of some nutrients it needs.
Eating a healthy diet does not mean skimping on meals. There is no problem with eating snacks. What’s important is you choose your snacks wisely. I guess by now, you already kow that sweet, sticky food is bad for your teeth. As a general health rule, choose to eat food low in sodium, fat and cholesterol. Fresh and colorful fruits and vegetables are the most ideal snack.
Did you know that it’s healthier to eat crackers with cheese than to eat them alone? According to experts, if a particular food like crackers is eaten alone, they produce more bacteria in the mouth. This is the same bacteria that causes you to have cavities and decayed teeth. If possible, rinse your mouth with warm water after snacking. Or just drink lots of water to wash away cavity-causing bacteria.
Despite striving to eat a balanced meal daily, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly.
