children · The Mouth Body Connection · tips and techniques ·Aug 08, 2022

Diet Impacts Tooth Health

Your mouth is essential for chewing and swallowing your food. The mouth is the first point of contact with all the nutrients your body needs. What you put in your mouth impacts both your oral and general health.

What is a cavity? Cavities form when the bacteria in the mouth eat the available sugars and produce acid, which breaks down the outer layer, the enamel, of the tooth. Cavities often develop between the teeth and in the presence of deep grooves.

Frequent snacking or constant exposure to sugar increases the risk for developing a cavity. Limiting sugary drinks and food to only mealtime, allows your mouth the time it needs to return to a healthy state. Continually snacking throughout the day gives the bacteria a constant food source, and acid is repeatedly produced causing the enamel to break down to form a cavity.

What are some healthy food options that will help my teeth?

Choose foods that offer high amounts of calcium, protein-rich foods, and important vitamins, like vitamin C and Vitamin A. These foods can assist in the health of your teeth!

Calcium: Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, leafy greens, and almonds. Calcium helps make your teeth strong.

Protein & Phosphorus: Meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs. These options are essential for protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel.

Fiber: Fruits and Vegetables. These foods balance the sugars they contain. They also help stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from teeth and help neutralize acid, protecting teeth from cavities.

Vitamin C: Citrus, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. This vitamin is important for healthy gums and quick healing of wounds.

Vitamin A: Beef liver, Fish oils, leafy green vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, milk, and eggs. A key nutrient in building tooth enamel.

How do you prevent cavities? Proper oral care and nutrition is important. Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between teeth once a day. Avoid snacking, and drink water when thirsty.

Prevention with TePe Oral Hygiene Tools

Regular dental checkups in combination with your own home care are crucial in maintaining oral health. Start by using TePe products to get one step closer to a healthy mouth!