The Impact of Food and Drink on Your Dental Health

LaDonna Kleinhans, Registered Dental Hygienist | ROC Dental Group

As a Registered Dental Hygienist, I strive to guide patients to comprehend the connection between their nutrition and oral health. Outside of my dental practice, I work as a Certified Personal Trainer, which offers me even greater insights into the broader impacts of diet on the entire body.

Here, I outline several ways in which your food and drink choices can influence your dental health, along with recommendations to ensure they have a positive impact. 

  1. Acidic Foods and Erosion. Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sodas, can contribute to enamel erosion, when the outer, protective layer of your teeth deteriorates. While foods like citrus fruits have essential vitamins and minerals, be mindful of their consumption to minimize the risk of dental enamel erosion. Rinse with water afterwards to neutralize the PH in your mouth and then brush your teeth after consumption so that the acidic content doesn’t rest on your teeth.
  2. Calcium-Rich Foods for Strong Teeth. A diet rich in calcium is important for maintaining strong, healthy teeth. Leafy greens; dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt; and fortified plant-based alternatives are excellent sources of calcium, helping to strengthen the enamel and promote oral health. Incorporating these foods into your diet, along with proper brushing and flossing, can contribute to the prevention of tooth decay.
  3. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Plaque. Apples, carrots, peppers, and celery act as natural toothbrushes. Their fibrous texture helps stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. Chewing on these foods can also help reduce plaque buildup and promote gum health.
  4. Hydration. Staying hydrated is essential because water helps rinse away bacteria and food particles, preventing the formation of plaque and reducing the risk of cavities. Water is a better choice than sugary or acidic beverages, which negatively affect tooth enamel. If you choose the latter, make sure you avoid slow consumption over time because this long-term exposure can cause tooth decay.
  5. Sugar and Tooth Decay. Sugar is one of the most well-known contributors to dental issues. Sugary foods and drinks create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the formation of acids that erode tooth enamel. Over time, this can result in cavities and tooth decay. Further, the harmful bacteria can travel through the body and cause inflammation in the heart and other organs, leading to heart disease.
  6. Tea and Gum Disease Risk. Green and black tea have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your oral health. These compounds have been associated with a lower risk of gum disease and cavities. But make sure to consume tea without added sugars to maximize dental health benefits.

Making informed decisions about your diet, such as incorporating calcium-rich foods, reducing sugary foods and beverages, and staying hydrated can go a long way in preserving your radiant smile. A balanced diet not only nourishes the body but serves as the foundation for a lifetime of excellent dental health.