You are what you eat. We all recognize the phrase as a weight-loss and wellness motivator: Stay away from the unhealthy, and you’ll be healthy. But not only does what you eat affect your weight and overall health, it also strongly influences your level of tooth decay and the presence of periodontal (gum) disease. And it’s not just the usual suspects—like that 32-ounce soda—that can be harmful to your teeth.
The main goal of dental nutrition is to avoid or limit added sugars and carbohydrates.
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Burns, a St. Peters dentist, identifies milk and fluoridated water as the best things for your teeth. She cautions against filtered water, whether it is bottled or sourced from a tap. “Sometimes filtering your water can actually filter out the fluoride,” she says. “Most areas in St. Louis have fluoridated water, so it actually can be good to drink tap water.”
Carbonated beverages are an obvious drink to avoid, but Burns also recommends staying away from fruit juices, energy drinks, and anything else with high amounts of added sugar. American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations stress that if you do consume these highly sugared drinks, you should drink them with food, which reduces their negative effects.
Another important aspect of dental nutrition is getting enough vitamin D. A lack of vitamin D can lead to softening of the teeth, which leaves them more vulnerable to decay and periodontal disease. Getting enough vitamin D is especially important for vegetarians, who run the risk of missing out on important nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and complete proteins.
Dr. Michael Grasso, a Chesterfield dentist, takes a slightly different approach to dental nutrition. “My philosophy is, I can tell you all the bad things, but if you take good care of your teeth it shouldn’t matter. It’s not how much you eat or drink; it’s the time your teeth are exposed,” he says. “You could get one soda in the morning and sip it throughout the entire day, and that can be the same thing as drinking 30 sodas.”
Overall, what we learned in elementary school still holds true: Follow the food pyramid. The easiest and quickest route to oral health is a well-balanced diet, coupled with a daily routine
of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
IT'S GOOD TO DRINK: Tea (sugar-free), Milk, Fluoridated water
IT'S GOOD TO EAT: Fruits (especially apples), Vegetables
