The foods you eat not only affect your dental health, poor dental health can also affect the types of foods you can eat.

Diet and Your Dental Health

What you eat and drink, and how often, can negatively impact your teeth and gums.

  • Tooth decay (cavities): If your teeth are constantly bathed in sugar and not properly cared for this can cause tooth decay. Bacteria, found in plaque, feed on starches and sugars that are found in many foods you eat. This produces an acid that attacks the tooth enamel, leading to decay.
  • Broken, cracked or chipped teeth: Hard, sticky and chewy foods such as candy, popcorn seeds or ice can damage your teeth. Sticky and chewy foods also remain on your teeth longer leaving a constant source of sugar for the decay causing bacteria to feed on.
  • Staining: Many foods such as coffee, tea, wine and even fruits, such as blueberries and cherries can stain the teeth
  • Bad breath: Poor diet and dehydration (causing a dry mouth) can also lead to bad breath.

Dental Health and Your Diet

If crunchy foods and vegetables cause you pain, or you have difficulty chewing lean proteins, you may opt for less healthy options. Without addressing the cause of any pain, sensitivity or dry mouth your oral and general health can continue to decline.

Let your dentist know if you are experiencing any discomfort. Ask for recommendations on better food choices to limit any further damage to your teeth.