A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, and starches significantly contribute to plaque acids that attack the tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, forming cavities.
If you eat foods high in sugar or starch, try to eat them during meals rather than between meals, and avoid any foods that stick to your teeth because these can produce more plaque biofilm. Saliva production rises during meals and chewing, which can help rinse food and acids from the mouth.
Poor nutrition can also lead to avoidable systemic diseases such as:
To maintain a balanced diet, eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups and limit the snacks you eat. Foods eaten as part of a meal cause less harm because the saliva released helps wash foods from the mouth and lessen the effects of acids.
Meal prepping is an excellent way to save time and money—not to mention you can create delicious meals that contribute to a healthy mouth and body. Meal prep ensures you have the right portions for a filling meal. By preparing whole meals ahead of time, you can easily customize your meal prep around your health goals, daily schedule, and your family's taste preferences.
Here are some standard meal prep methods you can use to save time:
Other foods to consider adding to your family's meals include:
Don't forget to practice these oral care habits in addition to a diet that's full of mouth-friendly foods.
Your diet plays a major role in your oral health. You don't need to avoid harmful foods altogether, but making them a treat rather than a staple will go a long way. Follow these helpful nutrition and oral health tips so you can help protect your teeth for years to come.
Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine