General Dentistry: What a Dentist Wants You to Know About Dietary Choices

A dental visit can tell you if your teeth are healthy or if they need preventative treatment or care for conditions such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, or enamel erosion. Making wise decisions regarding what to eat and drink daily is one of the many important things you can do to maintain good overall dental health.

Common dietary advice from dentists

Most dentists would say to steer clear of excess sugar and eat a well-balanced diet consisting of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Dentists recommend several other things related to eating habits as well.

Get enough calcium and vitamin D

Calcium is necessary for strong, dense teeth and bones. Symptoms of a calcium deficiency include low bone mass and a higher risk of bone fractures. Thinning of the jawbone is especially detrimental to dental health as this causes the jawbone to no longer sustain teeth and eventually leads to tooth loss. Fortunately, there are many good sources of calcium in foods such as milk, cheese, tofu, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and canned fish. Calcium from food sources is thought to be more effective than calcium from supplements, so incorporate those foods into your diet as much as possible.

Vitamin D works with the body to aid in the absorption of calcium, so this vitamin is equally crucial to the health of your teeth. Cells within the dentin can repair themselves if adequate levels of vitamin D are present in the body. One important source of vitamin D is sunlight, while food sources include fatty fish, eggs, yogurt, cheese, and fortified plant-based milk.

Limit consumption of acidic food and drink

Foods and drinks high in acid can wear away at the protective enamel of a tooth. This tooth erosion is permanent and can lead to cavities and infections in the teeth. Items to watch out for include sodas, orange juice, and sour candies. Acidic but nutritious foods such as oranges and tomatoes may still be included as part of an overall balanced diet. If you decide to consume food or beverages high in acid, dental guidelines suggest rinsing your mouth out with water afterward to wash away the acid and wait an hour after eating before brushing your teeth.

Eat meals rather than snacks

It is healthier for your dental hygiene to have fewer, larger meals during the day rather than graze on snacks throughout the day. This is because every time you eat, your mouth becomes acidic, which is an environment that eventually leads to enamel erosion. A busy schedule can prevent this from being feasible, however, so choose foods that are low in sugar such as raw vegetables and nuts if you have a snack, and drink plenty of water to promote the production of saliva.