How do dental caries occur?

Eating right can help prevent the two most common dental problems that people often struggle with: cavities and gum disease. Tooth decay (which eventually leads to cavities) is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This bacterium comes from the food you eat and acts on the sugars in the food (that’s why sugary foods are not good for your teeth).

The acid produced slowly corrodes tooth enamel and then the inner part of the tooth called dentin. Eventually, over time, the tooth is ‘eaten’ by the acid and chips away, leaving a hole or cavity. Caries are often sources of bacterial infection and can cause severe toothache.

Also, bacteria from your mouth can enter your body through your saliva or bloodstream and cause other health problems.

What is the relationship between diet and dental health?

A balanced diet provides the body with the right amount of nutrients. The nutrients help the body revitalize its immune system and this, in turn, increases resistance to dental disease.

Calcium helps form the teeth and jaw. A person who eats a diet low in calcium is more likely to develop dental problems. To help the body absorb calcium, the diet must contain adequate amounts of vitamin D. A lack of vitamin D in the diet can cause dry mouth, a burning sensation, and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Iron it is also necessary for the nutrition of the blood vessels in the mouth. Iron deficiency can lead to ulcerated sores and inflammation of the tongue. Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron.

Adequate amounts of vitamin B2, B12 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin) can prevent bad breath and ulcers. Therefore, ideally, your diet should contain all of these nutrients. Eating the right foods can prevent dental problems and reverse cavities.

What foods are good for dental health?

The following foods are good for improving dental health:

• Milk, yogurt, cheese, oysters, beans: they contain calcium and phosphates that help remineralize the teeth and also strengthen the gums.
• Nuts, bran, red meat, liver: these foods contain high levels of iron.
• Pasta, spinach, chicken, fish, almonds: they are concentrated sources of vitamin B2, B12 and B3
• Pears, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, kiwis, and oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C.
• Celery stimulates the salivary glands which lead to the production of saliva. Saliva dilutes the concentration of bacteria. Celery also acts as a natural dental floss and cleans between teeth.
• Grapes are excellent sources of oleanolic acid which discourages the growth of oral bacteria.
• Onions have a strong antibacterial action due to the sulfur compounds they produce. They are best when eaten fresh and raw.

What foods are bad for dental health?

It is advisable to limit the intake of the following foods:

soft drinks: Soft drinks, canned iced teas and diet colas contain flavor enhancers. Although diet sodas contain much less sugar than their conventional counterparts, they do contain acids that erode tooth enamel, namely phosphoric acid and citric acid.

Alcohol: Do you feel dry mouth after the party last night? That’s the alcohol working to dry up the salivary secretions. Be sure to protect your mouth from excessive dryness by using rehydrating mouthwashes or simply drinking plenty of water.

Candy bars, lollipops and candy bars: Any candy that involves prolonged sucking and chewing is bad for your teeth. This isn’t just related to the sugar content (although that’s bad, too). The longer the sugar stays in the mouth, the worse it is for the teeth: the bacteria are able to metabolize the sugars for longer.

Resume

Bottom line, be careful to avoid sour and sweet foods. If you want to drink orange or grape juice, suck it through a straw and swallow it straight down your throat. Shaking it around in your mouth is more likely to give your teeth an unwanted acid bath.

As a precaution, rinse your mouth with clean water after drinking or eating sugary or acidic foods. This helps get rid of acid deposits on your teeth and prevents tooth decay.