If you’re wondering about the link between your diet and your oral health, we’re here to tell you it’s substantial. In this blog post, we’ll fill you in on what a poor diet can do to your teeth, and how you can avoid it!

Tooth Decay

Let’s start with the clearest and most common link between a poor diet and poor oral health. If you don’t eat a healthy diet, you’re likely to suffer from more cavities. There are two reasons for this. A healthy, nutrient-rich diet helps you maintain strong teeth. And, the fact is, a poor diet is what actually encourages tooth decay. Sugars and starches feed the plaque bacteria that accumulates and eventually eats away at the enamel, leading to cavities.

Gum Disease

Tooth decay and gum disease are at the core of most common dental issues people face, and both are caused, at least in part, by poor eating habits. The same bacteria that builds up in your mouth and causes cavities can accumulate along the gumline and under the gums, leading to gum disease. If left untreated and allowed to progress, gum disease can cause gum recession, abscess/infection, and even tooth loss.

Tooth-Healthy Foods

Wondering what foods you should be eating to maintain a healthy smile? As we mentioned, foods high in sugar and starch are the ones most likely to cause bad bacteria to thrive in your mouth. While you don’t need to avoid starches and sugars all-together, it’s best to limit their intake whenever possible. And when you do eat them, brush your teeth afterwards. Stick to a diet that is filled with nutritious foods like cheeses and other dairy, veggies, and lean proteins. You will be doing yourself a favor by keeping your teeth clean, and maintaining their strength and durability.

Comprehensive Care at Jackson Smiles Family Dentistry

Regular visits to the dentist go hand-in-hand with a healthy diet. If you don’t have your next biannual cleaning and exam scheduled, give us a call today!