Photo: Oral Health Month © Courtesy of Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)
Small, everyday choices are often what shape us, and oral health is no exception. Daily decisions about what you eat and drink can affect your teeth and gums in important ways, and with April being Oral Health Month, it’s important to re-examine the choices that shape us and how they affect our oral health. Here’s why it’s important to make careful choices about your diet.
Your food can make your teeth and gums stronger…or weaker. Dietary choices can have a big impact on your oral health. Sugar in particular can harm your mouth by creating fuel for bacteria there, so try to avoid, or at least be mindful of, the following items:
- Carbonated beverages: they often contain sugar and are also acidic, both of which are bad for tooth enamel.
- Sugary snacks, especially chewy, sticky ones: they can get stuck on or between teeth.
- Sticky starches, such as potato chips, crackers, white breads, and pasta: these starches break down into sugars.
- Food and drinks that are high in acid, such as pickles, citrus juices, vinegars, and wine.
Just because a food contains acids or natural sugars doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t eat it. Just make sure to hydrate with water after eating to help wash those sugars away.
Some food choices can actually benefit your mouth, including:
- Yogurt and cheese, which contain calcium to support healthy teeth.
- Dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, which are high in enamel-building calcium.
- Low-sugar, high-protein snacks, such as almonds and other nuts, which help support your teeth and gums.
- Crunchy veggies and fruits, such as apples, which act as natural toothbrushes, sweep harmful residue off your teeth.
Listen to what your mouth is telling you. It’s important to pay close attention to your teeth and gums—oral health issues can sometimes be an early warning of a nutritional deficiency. For example:
- Swollen and bleeding gums, even with regular flossing, can be a sign that you’re not getting enough vitamin C.
- A smooth, overly red, or painful tongue may mean a vitamin B deficiency.
- More frequent mouth ulcers may signal a lack of iron.
Your oral health needs expert support. It’s essential to schedule regular appointments with a dental hygienist, whether you’re noticing an issue or not. Beyond routine removal of calculus—hard buildups on the teeth—and plaque, dental hygienists can help spot oral health issues early: ones that might point to a nutritional problem, as well as even more serious conditions such as periodontitis or even cancer. They can also provide tips for improving your oral health, which supports your overall health.
By making more conscious food choices, you can make a real impact on your health. Your teeth and gums will thank you, and so will the rest of you.
(Source: NewsCanada)
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