Oral Health and Diet: What You Need to Know

What many people don’t realise is that oral health is also an important aspect of improving one’s well-being. Other than our physical, internal, and mental health, we must also look after our oral health and the food we usually take in as it also affects our overall well-being. 

Now, we already know how our diet can affect our body’s physique and the nutrients we get from them—but are we also aware that our diet can also influence the health of our teeth? And that we are at risk of getting dental issues when we’re not mindful of it?  

Let’s see how else can our diet affect our oral health and some practical tips you can apply to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

What is Good Oral Health? 

You may think good oral health means clean teeth and fresh breath–well, it’s actually more than that. Good oral health actually means having a mouth that is free of cavities, with healthy gums and strong enamel that protects your teeth from decay. 

Good oral health is not only about the aesthetics of our teeth. Our oral health also concerns our ability to eat, speak, and maintain overall well-being. Don’t forget that our mouths are the entryway into our body, and whatever we put in our mouths can also affect everything about our health. That means poor quality food can also mean poor oral health. 

Poor oral health can lead to various dental problems many people would not want in the first place, from tooth decay and gum disease to more serious issues such as infections and tooth loss. 

What Causes Poor Oral Health? 

Before we dive into the connection between oral health and diet, let’s look at what poor oral health and hygiene look like. 

The most common culprit why some people have poor oral health is the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque feeds on sugars, which come from the food we eat. They produce acids that can stay on the teeth, eroding the tooth enamel and causing cavities. 

So, what do you think poor oral hygiene looks like? Poor oral hygiene can have a lot of factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in sugary and processed foods, all contributing to the decline of one’s oral health. 

The Truth About Sugar 

It’s no secret that sugar is bad for your teeth. When sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, it produces acid, which erodes tooth enamel. This process is the leading cause of cavities. 

Unfortunately, sugar is often hidden in many foods, making it difficult to avoid. And because more and more processed foods are available today, packaged and processed foods, such as granola bars, flavoured yoghurts, and even sauces, contain sugars that can sneak into your diet and harm your teeth. 

To maintain good oral health, it’s essential to read labels carefully and avoid foods high in added sugars. Additionally, try to minimise the intake of starchy foods, as these can also break down into sugars and feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth. 

Dentist’s Tips to Keep Oral Health and Diet Healthy 

1. Eat Whole Foods 

Whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy are excellent for your oral health. These foods require more chewing, which helps produce saliva—a natural defence against cavity-causing bacteria. Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralises acids in your mouth to keep your enamels clean, strong, and protected.  

2. Reduce Processed Foods 

Processed foods often contain hidden sugars and starches that contribute to tooth decay. These sugars stick to your teeth, which then feed on the harmful bacteria that produce acid that leads to plaques then cavities. Packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and even some “healthy” options like granola bars can contain large amounts of these hidden sugars. 

3. Beware of Processed Fruits 

Fresh fruits are good for your overall health and teeth but do not mistake them with processed ones. Processed fruits, such as freeze-dried, dried or candied fruits, can be just as harmful to your teeth as candy. What’s the difference between the two? 

Fresh fruits contain water that helps dilute and wash away their own natural sugars. On the other hand, when you start to process these fruits to be frozen or dried, the water that they have is squeezed out, leaving them to only have concentrated sugars. Then they become stretchy, sticky and overly sweet than they naturally were. 

This might even shock you, but sticky sweet fruits are actually even more damaging than chocolates. So, if you want to incorporate fruits into your diet, just consume them the natural way. 

4. Watch Out for Fruit Juices and Other Sugary Beverages 

While fruit juices in groceries may seem healthy, they can be surprisingly harmful to your teeth. Fruit juices of any kind can also have hidden sugars in them like other processed food. Even though they’re labelled “no sugar added,” a sugar substitute can also be present in these juices.  

Now, what about juicing fruits at home? While it is conceived as a healthy alternative to packaged juices, juicing actually removes the fibrous parts of the fruit, leaving behind a high concentration of sugars. Without these natural fibres, your teeth can be more exposed to sugar, which can lead to decay. Drinking fruit juice regularly means you’re essentially coating your teeth in sugar and increasing the risk of getting cavities. 

Like processed fruits, it’s still better for fruits and vegetables to be eaten whole and not dried, frozen or processed. So, be wary when buying sugary beverages because of the sugars that they have.  

5. Hydrate with Water 

Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. Water helps wash away food particles, dilute acids, and keep your mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of tooth decay.  

When you do crave sodas or sugary drinks, try and choose carbonated water. They usually contain lower acids than flavoured juices or sodas, but you still get to enjoy the refreshing feel of it with carbonated water. However, water is still the unbeatable contender when it comes to beverages.  

Let Your Diet and Teeth Work Together 

Maintaining good oral health requires a combination of proper oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Try to reduce your intake of processed foods that contain hidden sugars and focus more on whole, unprocessed foods. Remember, a healthy diet not only benefits your overall health but also plays a crucial role in keeping your smile bright and your teeth strong. 

If you need extra help to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, our dentists at Blackburn are here to help and guide you. Our team at Whitehorse Dental is committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. 

Book an appointment today to learn more about keeping your teeth healthy through proper diet and oral care practices.