The Role of Nutrition in Preventing Emergency Dentist Visits and Promoting Oral Health

Good nutrition is important for more than just overall well-being; it’s also essential for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. All of the foods that you eat will have some type of impact on your oral health. Many vitamins can contribute to healthy teeth, whereas other nutrients may have the opposite effect. Being knowledgeable about how nutrition impacts your teeth and gums can help you make more informed decisions about what you are putting into your body and mouth. Tooth decay, gum disease, enamel loss and emergency dentist visits can all be prevented by limiting certain foods and incorporating certain foods into your diet. If you are interested in learning more about how nutrition can be used as a tool to help you achieve your oral health goals, Mackenzie Dental Centre. Dr. Lloyd Pedvis is an experienced dentist in Woodbridge who offers preventative dentistry services to help you avoid future oral health issues. 

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Foods to be Cautious About

Sugar

One food that is well-known for being bad for oral health is sugar. Sugar contributes greatly to tooth decay and is a large culprit of cavities in children. Sugar acts as a food to feed plaque bacteria in your mouth. When this bacteria feeds on these sugars, it produces acids that can cause bacterial infections, This can cause your enamel to wear away and your teeth to start decaying. If this becomes a pattern, you will develop cavities over time. Lowering the amount of sugar you are consuming is extremely important, especially if you are prone to cavities. It can also be beneficial to brush your teeth more frequently if you eat more sugar on a given day. 

Acidic Foods

You should be cautious when it comes to foods that are acidic. Citrus fruits, berries, pineapples, juices, tomatoes and sauces are all considered acidic. So are many other fruits and vegetables that the average person may consume in their diet. The issue with acidic foods is that they can wear down the enamel on your teeth. This process is known as tooth erosion. This can increase sensitivity to heat, cold and sweets. You can also become more susceptible to tooth staining and increase your risk of cavities when you consume a lot of acidic foods. Tooth erosion is permanent, and enamel cannot be restored once it is lost. So, being conscious about reducing excessive consumption of acidic foods is crucial to maintaining oral health. You should also ensure that you are never sucking on acidic fruits or leaving acidic drinks in your mouth for long before swallowing. This will only worsen their impact. Being prompt when eating and drinking acidic foods can help reduce their impact on enamel. 

Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet 

Vitamin D and Calcium

Vitamin D and calcium, in combination, play a large role in improving oral health. Calcium is essential for healthy bone and tooth development and maintenance. However, your body is only able to absorb calcium when vitamin D is present as well. Calcium helps to strengthen and fortify your enamel, which better protects your teeth against plaque bacteria. Calcium actually helps to remineralize your teeth, which refers to your teeth restoring lost minerals. Some trials have even suggested that a lack of calcium in your diet is correlated with tooth loss later in life. Milk and other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, are an excellent source of calcium. Other calcium-rich foods include:

• Sardines
• Salmon
• Poppy and chia seeds
• Beans and lentils
• Almonds
• Leafy green vegetables
• Fortified beverages, such as non-dairy milk alternatives

Some foods that are rich in vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish
• Cod liver oil
• Tuna 
• Egg Yolks
• Mushrooms
• Although not a food, sunlight is a great source of vitamin D 

Vitamin C for Gum Health

Incorporating good sources of vitamin C into your diet can also improve your gum health. Vitamin C can strengthen the soft tissue of your gums. This can help reduce the risk of gum disease, gingivitis and receding gums. The stronger your gums, the lower the risk of tooth loss as well. Foods that are high in vitamin D include:

• Chilli peppers
• Guava 
• Bell peppers
• Black currants
• Cantaloupe
• Parsley
• Kale
• Kiwis
• Broccoli

It is important to note that citrus fruits are also very high in vitamin C. However, they are also very acidic. The negative effects of acidic fruits may outweigh the benefits. This is why the above list contains alternative options that are non as acidic. 

The Role of Nutrition for a Healthy Smile

Overall, having a balanced diet that is rich in micronutrients and vitamins such as vitamin C, D, and calcium can help support oral health and reduce emergency dentist visits. Vitamin D and calcium work together to strengthen and remineralize teeth, whereas vitamin C supports healthy gums. Choosing to limit other types of foods like sugar and acids can also have a positive impact on your teeth. Excessive sugar and acidic foods can increase plaque bacteria, tooth decay and enamel loss, which can cause a lot of pain and discomfort in the future. Enjoy these foods in moderation and maintain a good oral hygiene routine for best results. At Mackenzie Dental Centre, we provide general and preventative dental services to ensure that your nutrition supports your oral health goals. Contact our dentist in Woodbridge today to book an appointment!

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