My Teeth And My Diet

All types of food are classified into three distinct groups:

• Protein such us meats, fish and various dairy product and pulses.
• Fat such as animal fat and vegetable oils.
• Carbohydrate natural sugars and starches from fruit and vegetables, and artificial sugar from processed foods.

From all of these, only carbohydrates can be turned into acid by bacteria which later cause decay.

Foods high in carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. Carbohydrates provide the body with glucose, which is converted to energy used to support bodily functions and physical activity. The most acid producing carbohydrates are those which are artificially added during food preparation which are based on non-milk extrinsic sugars. As their name suggests, these type of sugar are not derived from milk and have been added artificially during the manufacturing process. The most damaging ones of all are the refined sugars sucrose and glucose.

The most important modification to the diet to help reduce the incidence of dental caries is reducing the non-milk extrinsic sugars and dietary acid from the daily food and drink intake.

It is better for your teeth and general health if you eat 3 meals a day instead of having 7 or more snack attacks. If you do need to snack between meals, choose foods that do not contain sugar.

Frizzy drinks can increase the risk of dental problems. Keep in your mind that drinking fruit juices at meal times is better than in between.

A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh produce can help to prevent decay and gum disease.