How Does Healthy Eating Affect Your Oral Health

The types of foods you eat including the beverages you consume can have a significant effect on your teeth and gums. That is why, when it comes to oral health, proper nutrition is vital. Eating a well-balanced diet is where you can get the right nutrients your whole body needs, including your teeth and gums.

Your food choices play an important role in preventing oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. If your diet lacks vitamins and minerals, your mouth may have a hard time fighting and resisting infection. If you want to keep your strong teeth and healthy gums, start with healthy eating.

Oral Health and Nutrition

According to the CEO of Dieticians Association of Australia (DAA), nutrition and diet are linked naturally and they can affect the development and progression of oral diseases. “…If we improve what a person eats, their dental health will also improve,” said CEO Claire Hewat.

Dental Health Service Victoria (DHVS) and Dieticians Association of Australia (DAA) have teamed up in an effort to use the influence of dieticians to inform the public of the health concerns their diet and eating habits are having on their dental health. This is a new initiative that will focus on dieticians giving information of food that promotes good oral health.

Dr Cole, the CEO of DHSV, states that, “The data tells us that oral health conditions are the second most expensive disease group to treat, after cardiovascular disease, with $8.7m spent Australia-wide on dental treatments in 2012-13,” In addition, according to Hewat, there is an increasing evidence that oral health is strongly associated with major chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, including adverse pregnancy outcomes. DVHS and DAA are also optimistic that joining in dieticians with dental health care may help to prevent these health issues.

Wise Choices

Following a healthy diet and committing to your daily dental care is not that hard at all, especially when you think about its positive effects and lifetime result. It’s not only “what type of food you eat” is important if you are to take care of your teeth, it’s also “when you eat”. Aside from eating a balanced diet, limiting between-meal snacks is also crucial.

For good dental health, eat a variety of foods from major food groups and drink of plenty of water. Your food choices should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein such as beef and fish, peas and other legumes as well as low-fat and fat-free dairy foods.

Keep in mind that the less acidic and sweet foods you consume, the healthier your teeth and your entire body will be. Your oral health reflects your overall wellbeing and so it’s important to discuss with your dentist to address any signs of nutrient deficiencies and ensure that you keep a healthy smile always.

Keep Your Body and Smile Healthy at Q1 Dental in Melbourne

For more information on how your diet can affect your dental and oral health, visit your Melbourne dentist at Q1 dental today. Your dentist also plays an important role in keeping your mouth overall healthy by evaluating the types of foods you consume, what to eat and what to avoid. They can give you some useful tips on how you can improve your diet as well as your dental care routine. Q1 Dental offers a comprehensive range of preventive dental treatments. Preventative dentistry takes in the education and treatment of anything associated with the prevention of various oral health diseases. At Q1 Dental, we strongly believe that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Our Q1 Dental practice is conveniently located within St Kilda Road Towers at 1 Queens Road in the heart of the St Kilda road Business precinct. We are close to public transport and only minutes from Melbourne CBD.

For Medibank Private, HCF and CBHS, claim your PAY NO GAP OFFER on check-up and clean. Bulk Bill Child Benefit Schedule Up to $1,000. FREE Orthodontic Consultation for 14 years old and above. Don’t miss our special offers! Call us on (03) 9078 1955 or book your appointment online.