How Does My Diet Affect My Oral Health?

Diet and Oral Health

Everything you eat will come in direct contact with your teeth and gums, which is why your diet choices have such a profound impact on your oral health. Your trusted team at Kraklow Quality Dentistry is happy to offer nutritional tips and quality preventive services to ensure you maintain optimal oral health and long-term winning smiles. 

What Are Mouth-Healthy Diet Choices?

The best thing you can do for your smile and your overall health is to make sure your diet contains a variety of nutritious choices. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated. 

Consuming a healthy, balanced diet will provide your teeth and gums with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Lacking certain essential nutrients can leave your mouth vulnerable to infection and periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Studies show that gum disease progresses faster and is more destructive to people with poor nutrition.

What Foods Should You Limit?

A diet rich in sugars is detrimental to your oral health. Cavity-causing bacteria convert the sugars into acids, attacking your tooth enamel and leading to tooth decay and cavities. Acidic foods and beverages can also harm your teeth when consumed in excess because they erode and weaken your tooth enamel. Steer away from carbonated drinks because they are both acidic and sugary, posing a double threat to your oral health. Even diet sodas are harmful because of the acids they contain. 

Limit the consumption of starches such as white bread and potato chips because these foods break down into a pasty substance that lingers in the pits and crevices of your teeth. The same goes for sticky foods, which cling to your teeth and are hard to clean off. 

Maintaining Your Healthy Smile

Even with the best diet and the most nutritious food choices, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene practices. That includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to visit Kraklow Quality Dentistry for your preventive dental exams and cleanings twice a year. That way, we can identify any dental problem early on, when easiest to treat. 

Quality Preventive Dentistry Near Me

Visit Kraklow Quality Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI, to learn more about maintaining a healthy diet for a healthy, confident smile. Our team is proud to offer quality preventive services to halt the onset and progression of dental disease. You can count on us for outstanding care and services. Call us and schedule your appointment today!