What, When and How We Eat: All Factors in Oral Health

When it comes to taking care of your teeth and overall mouth health, you may feel like your job is complete after your daily routine of brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. However, there are also a number of things that you can do throughout the day that will encourage better oral health. Paying attention to the foods you eat and when you eat them can help you prevent against many oral health issues.

How to manage your food intake for better oral health

Eat a healthy diet

The food you eat plays a significant role in the health of your teeth. Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals are not only good for your health, but they also help promote good mouth health. Minerals in food can help maintain the health of your teeth and bones, while vitamins can help improve gum health.

Cut back the junk food

Junk foods like chips, cookies and candy can all result in oral healthy issues, especially if consumed in abundance. Staying away from these foods may not prevent all future issues, but it can certainly help, especially if you can’t brush your teeth soon enough after eating them.

Stay away from sugar

Not only is sugar bad for your waistline and overall health, it’s also bad for your teeth. Consuming foods that are high in sugar can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Gummy candies that stick to your teeth are particularly harmful, because the sugar sticks to your teeth and can do even more damage if it’s not cleaned off fast enough.

Avoid acidic and sticky foods

Foods and beverages that are high in acidity like wine, coffee, tea, fruit juice and some fruits themselves erode teeth enamel. While foods that are starchy or sticky like gummy candy, bread, potato chips and dried fruit can stick to the surface of your teeth leading to increased risk of cavities and sore gums.

Reduce snacking

The saliva that your body produces when you eat helps to wash food particles out of your mouth and reduce the chance of developing cavities. Eating will increase saliva production especially during meal times, however eating too often throughout the day can result in food residue being left on teeth. Chewing sugar free gum instead of snacking can help reduce the urge to snack and increase saliva production.

Eat junk foods before your meal

There’s no reason not to give into a sweet craving here and there, especially if you’re mindful to do it either shortly before or immediately after a bigger meal. The saliva you’ll generate with your meal will help maintain your tooth health by washing away the sugars before they have time to damage anything. Drinking your pop with a meal is also better than drinking it throughout the day.

Brush at the right time

It might feel natural to brush your teeth immediately after eating a meal, however this isn’t always the best practice for your teeth. Waiting about an hour after eating before you brush lets the saliva in your mouth do its job of rinsing the acidity off of your teeth. Brushing too soon after an acidic meal can actually harm tooth enamel.

Maintaining a good routine is key

The foods you eat play a significant role in your mouth health, but so does your daily oral care routine. Brushing twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and flossing and using mouthwash once a day are important steps to help your mouth stay as healthy as possible. Brushing before bed is especially important, as your body naturally produces less saliva while you sleep which can create more opportunity for bacteria to harm your teeth.

Visiting the dentist every 6 months for a check up and cleaning can also help you and your dental team to recognize and stay ahead of anything that might become a problem down the road.