When doctors recommend a healthy diet, it’s for the overall health of our body. A well-balanced diet provides our body with the required nutrients and energy to function properly and avoid health problems.

Children need a diet that can support the growth of their teeth. Adults need to eat a healthy diet and avoid certain foods that could impact the health of their teeth and gums.

In this blog, let’s look at what diet children and adults should take and what foods to avoid to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

A Child’s Diet to Support Healthy Teeth Development

A child needs appropriate nutrients when they’re growing to help them develop strong teeth that are resistant to decay.

A child’s diet should include green vegetables. Calcium is very important for strengthening the teeth, which is why milk, yogurt, and cheese are also strongly recommended. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into their diet as snacks instead of carbohydrates or sweets.

Cutting down on chewing gums and candies is recommended because it contains sugar. Sugar can cause tooth decay as it allows bacteria to thrive, causing enamel loss.

Healthy habits, along with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, can ensure your child develops strong, decay-resistant teeth.

Adult Diet to Support Healthy Teeth

Although a healthy diet should be sufficient to maintain good oral health, some foods can help you care for your teeth much better.

Almonds

Almonds are a good source of calcium and protein and have very low amounts of sugar. Moreover, these are tougher to chew and can help keep your jaw in shape.

Carrots and Celery

Carrots and celery are proven to increase saliva production, reducing the risk of cavities. They also provide anti-oxidants to keep your gums healthy and scrap off the bacteria in your mouth.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. They have high calcium, which can help build tooth enamel. As per research, leafy greens contain acid that helps fight off gum diseases, especially in pregnant women.

Food/Drinks to Avoid

Just having a healthy diet isn’t enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy, there a certain foods/drinks you should avoid or at least limit. These include:

Alcohol

Saliva helps fight off the bacteria in your mouth to keep your teeth healthy. Alcohol is known to dry your mouth. The drier the mouth, the more bacteria can thrive. Hence, it’s best to avoid drinking excessively.

Carbonated Drinks

carbonated drinks contain soda that enables the plaque to produce more acid. Acid attacks the tooth enamel, causing cavities. According to research, soda damages your teeth as much as using meth or crack cocaine.

If you have developed a cavity, you’ll need to get a filling to contain the decay. If you’re looking for a dental clinic in Germantown, MD, Advance Dental Center offers various dental services, including cavity fillings, dentures, partial dentures, dental implants, dental veneers, and more. Contact us now to learn more about our cosmetic and family dentistry services!