Diet and nutrition are significant influencers of our oral health. Diet can affect the development and progression of oral diseases and conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, erosion and others. While nutrition can be defined as the micro (vitamins and minerals) and macro (carbohydrates, protein and fat), as they relate to the body’s dietary needs, diet refers to the specific foods consumed. The relationship that diet and nutrition have with oral health is bidirectional. Poorly maintained mouths, decayed, broken or missing teeth can also influence an individual’s functional ability to eat.
    However, we don’t have to eliminate these foods altogether. Instead, try consuming foods from this list sparsely and switching to better options whenever possible.
    In order to select foods that encourage great dental health, try starting with diverse meals from other food groups—such as vegetables, lower sugar-containing fruit, dairy, grains and different kinds of meat. Each of these groups give minerals and nutrients that serve to nourish the body and generate healthier teeth. If unsure how to stick with a clean diet, contact a general practitioner or a skilled nutritionist. They may produce a diet plan that suits an individual’s lifestyle needs.