The Role of Diet in Preventing Tooth Decay

There are several factors that can play into tooth decay. Surprisingly, more than 90% of adults will face some form of tooth decay as they age, with the main cause being their diet. A well-balanced diet does more than just fuel your body and mind — it protects your smile. Here’s how your diet plays a role in tooth decay and how you can prevent it.

What Foods Can Cause Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay happens when the bacteria in your mouth breaks down your enamel, which is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. Sugary and acidic foods help speed up this process because the bacteria feed on these snacks, producing an acid that erodes enamel. Other highly acidic foods can weaken your enamel, leading to faster decay. Sugary foods and drinks, as well as highly acidic foods like citrus, wine and coffee, are some of the worst offenders. Limit your consumption of these foods to help lower your risk of tooth decay and improve your overall oral health.

Foods to Improve Oral Health

While some food and drink can weaken your teeth, others can strengthen it. Calcium is a mineral that helps strengthen your enamel, hardening your teeth against harmful bacteria. Phosphorus works with calcium to increase the durability of your teeth. Dairy products, fish, lean meat and legumes are a few foods that contain teeth-fortifying minerals that you can easily work into your diet.

Vitamin D is another mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and loss by helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. The good news is that many foods that contain calcium and phosphorus, such as fatty fish and dairy products, also contain Vitamin D.

Outside of strengthening your teeth, there are foods you can incorporate into your diet to help improve your overall oral health, such as:

• Apples: Chewing on a crunchy apple can stimulate the gums, increasing saliva flow in the
• Celery: Celery is fibrous and has a high water content, which can act as a natural floss and also assist in saliva production.
• Carrots: Raw carrots are high in keratin, which helps prevent tooth decay and improves your gum health by getting rid of plaque buildup. Carrots are also rich in beta-carotene antioxidants, which protect your gum tissue from harm.

Prevent Tooth Decay with Orobitg Dentistry

Eating a balanced diet is just one step you can take to improve your overall oral health. One of the best ways to get recommendations on creating a smile-friendly diet is by scheduling regular dental checkups with your local dentist. That’s where Dr. Eddie Orobitg can help.

For more than two decades, Eddie Orobitg, D.M.D., has helped the Leesburg, Florida community keep their smiles looking healthy and white with quality dental health checkups and restorative procedures. If you’re experiencing tooth decay, pain or discomfort, call Orobitg Dentistry today at 352-787-5919 to schedule your appointment.