Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing the Best Diet For Your Teeth

Healthy teeth are a vital part of being able to eat and enjoy food, but certain foods can be more harmful to dental health than others. Learning about foods that help and hurt the teeth is an important part of oral hygiene basics that can be helpful in guiding the choices people make when caring for their teeth.

Foods to avoid

While some foods can be detrimental to the teeth, they should still be acceptable to eat on occasion. Simply recognizing the problems they can cause and cutting back on them when possible is a key part of oral hygiene basics that improve dental health.

Sugary and starchy foods

Sugary or starchy foods like candy and soda can stick to the teeth more than other types of food, creating a place for bacteria to gather and feed. Bacteria in the mouth is the main cause of plaque, a substance that builds upon the teeth and causes them to deteriorate over time. The longer sticky foods are left on teeth, the more bacteria can gather and grow, so brushing the teeth after consuming these items is important.

Acidic foods

Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and wine, can break down tooth enamel over time. While many of these foods, such as fruits, can also come with health benefits, it is important to avoid eating them for long periods of the day. Keeping consumption of these items restricted to mealtimes can help cut back on the damage that occurs over prolonged exposure to acidic foods. Unlike with sugary foods, it is a good idea to wait for a few hours before brushing teeth after eating something acidic because the acid can make teeth more sensitive and prone to damage.

Foods that can be beneficial

Many of the foods that are good for the overall health of the body can also be very beneficial to the teeth. Most vegetables, for example, contain minerals that help strengthen the teeth. Dairy and cheese products can also be beneficial because of their high calcium content. Some chewy foods, like meats and certain fruits, help the body generate more saliva, which helps wash away acids and protect the teeth.

Water

Drinking water comes with a long list of health benefits and is an important part of oral hygiene basics. Drinking water throughout the day is a healthier option than soda or other sugary drinks. Rather than sticking to the teeth, it helps rinse away debris that attracts bacteria. A lot of drinking water may also contain fluoride, an important substance that reinforces teeth and prevents cavities from forming.