Having good oral health and maintaining good oral hygiene rely on having clean teeth and providing appropriate care through brushing and flossing as regular habits. However, a balanced diet should also be considered part of keeping good oral hygiene.

The consumption of excessive amounts of sugary foods increases the likelihood of developing tooth decay or dental caries (cavities). On the other hand, Acidic foods and soft drinks directly erode enamel. Sugary foods contribute to decay through acid-producing bacteria, so neither is 'worse' universally — both damage teeth in different ways. An individual's nutritional value may affect (increase or lessen) the extent or severity of gum disease.

This blog describes how food products affect oral hygiene as well as how to establish a good food and nutrition habit that provides for healthy teeth and gums.

Are oral and general health related?

What you eat, your lifestyle, your general level of health at any given point in time, and your choices can affect the extent to which your oral health is good or bad.

The risk factors most commonly related to poor oral health are as follows:

1. Heart disease: Periodontal disease is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, but does not directly cause heart disease.
2. Diabetes and stroke: Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, has been linked to increased systemic inflammation, which may be associated with cardiovascular disease and poorer diabetes control. There is also a higher rate of stroke as you get older.
3. A weakened immune system: Poor dental health can increase systemic inflammation and may contribute to certain infections, but it does not directly 'weaken' the immune system.

How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?

Diabetes can affect the mouth and oral health, and the rest of your body as well. Poorly controlled diabetes can reduce immune response and saliva flow, making the mouth more prone to plaque and infection. The bacteria eventually multiply, leading to higher amounts of dental plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that coats your teeth and can cause damage when not removed through brushing or flossing.

Also, if you are not controlling your sugar levels properly, your mouth may be at an increased risk for developing oral infections and pain in the gums, teeth, and tissues of the mouth.

How Food Affects Your Oral Health

Sugar contributes directly to the development of cavities by providing a food source to plaque bacteria. The plaque bacteria will metabolise the sugar to produce acid by-products, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the tooth's enamel (outer surface). Over time, the acid will corrode the enamel of the tooth and, ultimately, create a cavity.

What Foods Are Bad for Dental Hygiene?

To promote healthy teeth and gums, avoid frequent sugary foods, as they allow bacteria to produce acids that contribute to decay. Some examples of harmful foods include:

• Sticky, sweet candy, such as caramels, lollipops, and gummies.
• Heavily starch-filled foods which stick to your teeth, such as potato chips, soft breads will all stick to the teeth.
• Carbonated Drinks like regular soda pop has very high amounts of sugar and diet soda even has acids which erode tooth enamel.
• Citrus fruits are acidic and can contribute to enamel erosion if consumed frequently or slowly over time.
• Alcohol can reduce saliva flow, contributing to dry mouth, especially with frequent consumption.

What Foods Are Good for Dental Hygiene?

By eating wholesome healthy foods, the acid's effects on tooth erosion can be counter-balanced, and continuing to provide the necessary nutrients promotes periodontal health and immune system.

Healthy foods and drinks for your mouth include:

• Still water – Drinking water maintains the optimal level of saliva. Fluoridated water is particularly beneficial for rebuilding tooth enamel.
• Fresh fruit and raw vegetables – Eating foods rich in fibre, such as raw vegetables and fresh fruits, will help clean your teeth of plaque while helping your body produce more saliva.
• Leafy greens and dairy products – Foods rich in calcium, such as leafy greens, plain yogurt and cheese, will help strengthen your teeth.
• Green and black teas – The polyphenols contained in green and black teas help destroy or inhibit the growth of the 'bad' bacteria in your mouth.

4 Easy Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health

1. Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is critical for maintaining good oral hygiene for the health of your mouth and teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel and prevents decay, which will help prevent decay and gum disease.

2. Floss Regularly

Adding a daily flossing routine will help reduce your risk of developing cavities between your teeth.

3. Drink Fluoridated Water

Fluoride is a mineral occurring naturally in clay, soil, and rock, and it is a powerful cavity fighter.

4. Visit the Dentist

To help prevent oral diseases, regular cleaning and examination of the teeth are critical. You should see your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning of your teeth.

Conclusion

Oral health and dental hygiene are largely affected by the diet you consume. The consumption of sugary food products and soft drinks (like fizzy drinks) will lead to the increased production of acid leading to erosion of your tooth enamel.

Good nutritional choices, avoiding sugary foods plus good oral hygiene practices, and routine dental check-ups are all ways to prevent cavities or decrease the risk of developing periodontal disease.