Diet plays an essential role in the health of your teeth. The second you eat certain foods, changes occur in your mouth. When you eat foods high in sugar, bacteria forms and chips away at the enamel that protects your teeth. Dairy products help protect your enamel, and certain fruit and vegetables stimulate the production of saliva, which neutralizes the acid in your mouth. You need to brush regularly and avoid large quantities of sugar.
Foods to Avoid
Sugars and starches increase the risk of tooth decay, according to the U.S. National Institute of Health. Sticky foods, including chewy candy and dried fruit, are bad for your teeth because their sugar remains on the surface of your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth turn the sugar to acid, which rots your teeth. If you eat candy, it is best to eat it all at once rather than at regular intervals throughout the day, as your teeth will have less acid to deal with. If you snack regularly, the sugar will also be on your teeth for longer, so unless you brush your teeth after every snack, try to leave around three hours between meals and only eat junk food that includes potato chips, pretzels, French fries, biscuits and cakes at meal times, if at all. According to the American Dental Association, soft drinks like sodas and fruit juices contain citric acid and phosphorous acid and will erode your teeth.
Foods for Healthy Teeth
A healthy, balanced diet will provide your teeth with all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Foods high in calcium are particularly good for your teeth, so try to eat nuts, dairy products that include cheese, and lean meats, such as chicken or turkey every day. Sticks of celery and carrot with hummus make excellent snack options between meals, or try milk, whole wheat crackers, natural yogurt or fresh fruit. Instead of soft drinks, opt for water, milk and unsweetened tea for healthy teeth.
Foods That Whiten Teeth
No foods whiten your teeth as well as a visit to the dentist, but if you want white teeth there are certain foods that can help and some you should avoid. Red wine, coffee and soy sauce stain your teeth. Mixing lemon juice or crushed strawberries with 1 tsp. of baking powder has shown promise in whitening teeth. Raw vegetables like celery sticks literally scrub your teeth as you eat them. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water is sometimes used to whiten teeth if you swirl it round in your mouth.
Significance
Diet is important in your oral hygiene, but if you do not brush and floss regularly, a balanced, healthy diet will not save your teeth. You should brush at least twice a day, and always in the morning and at night. Regularly change your toothbrush, as a worn toothbrush is of little help, explains the American Dental Association. Floss and use mouthwash daily to prevent build up of plaque, which erodes teeth. Talk to your dentist about what other types of care are available for your teeth.
Considerations
If you regularly eat meat, you will have to take extra care when brushing and flossing. If meat gets stuck between your teeth and remains there overnight, the threads of meat may release acid, which causes tooth decay.
