Foods you eat affect your general health, but food choices also affect the health of your teeth. Almost 90 percent of all food contains carbohydrates that can lead to tooth decay. Children in particular need good diets to ensure that their teeth develop properly and are resistant to decay. Planning healthy meals and shopping for nutritious food can be challenging for parents. So, here are some tips from all of us at Oakvillage Dental to help keep your family’s diet and oral health on the right track.
Healthy Foods and Balanced Diet
A balanced diet that is good for your body will also be good for your teeth. For the best overall nutrition, you’ll want to serve your family healthy meals that are high in fiber and consist of lean proteins, dairy, whole grains, as well as lots of fruits and vegetables.
It’s important that both children and adults consume enough calcium, vitamins, and minerals for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth. The Government of Canada’s Food Guide has comprehensive dietary guidelines for children and adults of all ages that can help you with your meal planning.
Sugar, Bacteria, and Tooth Decay
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Unfortunately, the bacteria use the sugars and starches that you eat to produce acids. When you have high concentration of acid against your teeth for long periods of time, the acid begins to dissolve the tooth enamel, and you end up with a cavity.
Bacterial acids are produced for approximately 20 minutes each time you eat. Therefore, the more frequently you eat and snack, the more “acid attacks” your teeth will be subject to, and the more you are at risk for tooth decay.
Prevent Acid Attacks
To fight off acid attacks, you and your family will need to replace sugary foods with healthier options. Avoid eating a lot of sugary snacks like cookies, candy, and pretzels between meals. Offer your family good snack alternatives such as peanut butter, yogurt, cheeses, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Stock the fridge with plenty of water and milk — even chocolate milk — so that your family drinks less sugary and acidic beverages. For the gum chewers in the family, make sure it is sugarless.
If your family demands some of the yummy but “bad” snacks, save them for mealtimes or special occasions. Keep in mind, foods and drinks that take a long time to consume — sipping on soda and sucking on hard candy — prolong the amount of time your teeth are under an acid attack. Also, if you are in the habit of sipping your coffee with cream and sugar throughout the morning, you’re exposing your teeth to acids for hours.
Fight Plaque and Acids with Good Oral Hygiene
To reduce the risk of tooth decay, brush your teeth twice a day, floss at bedtime, and use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your tooth enamel. Get the family in the habit of either brushing their teeth or rinsing with water after snacking; this will help remove plaque and reduce the acids in their mouth.
It’s impossible to eliminate all starches and sugars from your family’s diet. Nevertheless, by understanding the risks for tooth decay, you can start to switch out a few harmful foods for healthier options. Also, don’t be surprised if it takes a little prodding to get your family on board with healthy eating and good oral hygiene practices. However, when the dentist says, “no cavities,” you’ll be a hero!
For more nutritional guidelines and maintaining good oral health, please visit our website at www.oakvillagedental.com.