Diet and dental cavities

The modern-day definition of oral health includes the ability to speak, smile, taste, chew, swallow, and convey a range of emotions through facial expressions with confidence and comfort. In this context, dental cavities(or dental decay) stands out as a highly prevalent oral condition that affects the quality of life.  The relationship between nutrition, dietary practices, and dental cavities has been proven in many studies.  Hence it is important to understand and implement healthy dietary practices to prevent the occurrence of dental cavities.

Dental cavities/ decay occur as a result of bacterial action on food containing fermentable sugars that slowly get accumulated on the tooth surface over a period of time, producing acids.  These acids slowly dissolve the enamel and dentin and lead to cavities/decay. So for a cavity-free mouth, we should prevent the adherence of food over teeth surface which will prevent the formation of acids. For that our diet should include more non-sticky food and at the same time provide all the essential nutrition to the teeth.

While the development of tooth cavities requires the presence of both sugars and bacteria, it is also influenced by the susceptibility of the tooth, the type of bacteria, and the quantity and quality of the saliva. Deficiencies of vitamins A and D have been shown to affect the natural development of the teeth, which can make them more susceptible to decay. Undernutrition, coupled with a high intake of sugars, increases the risk of cavities.  Hence, it is also important to understand and implement certain healthy dietary practices in daily life that will help improve the general tooth health and prevent cavities. 

   

What to eat?

•  Eat food rich in fibres like fruits, legumes, and leafy veggies.  Theses are non-sticky, hence make the teeth surface not conducive for bacterial colonization.
• Turn to more protein-rich diets like pulses, peanuts, sprouts, seeds, lean meat, eggs…
• Switch on to calcium-fortified foods like milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Calcium and fat-rich milk products not only provide nourishment to teeth but also make the teeth more resistant to decay.
• Fluoride rich diet which includes raisins, grapes, wine, tea, potatoes, spinach. Fluoride rich diet has definite anti-cariogenic activity by remineralization of enamel

What not to eat?

• Limit consumption of starchy and sugary food which stick to teeth and frequent snacking in between meals
• Limit the consumption of acidic aerated drinks like colas, which can lead to erosion of  enamel and dentin
• High calorie and low nutritious diet, rich in refined sugars like pastries, chocolates, biscuits, muffins, cakes should be restricted….
• Avoid Gluten and pectin rich food. Gluten is present in cereals, wheat, rye, barley pasta, pizza, cakes, doughnuts, baked foods, which can stick to the teeth for quite a long time causing more bacterial activity. Fruits like apples, pear, guava, other citrus fruits, strawberries are rich in pectin.  Along with gluten-rich diet, pectin causes stomach problems like diarrhoea, bloating, loose stools etc.

Despite such dietary considerations, it’s essential to maintain meticulous oral hygiene by adhering to proper brushing techniques and the use of mouthwashes.  Brushing should be done twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Moreover, consult your nearby dentist for routine dental check-up twice a year for early detecting any dental issues.