How Does Your Diet Affect Your Dental Health?

Book your next appointment

dental health diet foods

You probably know that drinking dark beverages and eating sugary foods can damage your teeth, but do you know there’s actually much more to it?

In fact, there are certain foods that can improve your dental health by helping to limit decay over time and there are other foods that can actually accelerate the level of decay, leading to caries (cavities), halitosis (bad breath), and a variety of other problems.


The Oral Systemic Connection (What You Need to Know)

According to the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, countless studies have demonstrated a link between poor oral health and systemic disease, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more (click here to read the full article).

Obviously, what you put into your body has a significant impact on your overall health and well being, and since everything you eat passes through your mouth, it makes logical sense that a healthier diet will not only improve your dental health, but your overall health as well.

The bottom line— while a poor diet may lead to cavities and gum disease, it can also lead to serious health issues.

Since no one wants that, we’re going to give you some tips on which foods you should eat, which foods to avoid, and also weigh in on the whole organic debate. Let’s get started. Also, if you’re looking for a new dentist in the area, we have dental offices in West Babylon at Great South Bay and Patchogue at Gateway Plaza.


Which Foods You Should Eat

healthy-food-square-300x300

When choosing a healthy “dental diet,” there are many delicious foods that are not only healthy for your teeth and gums, but also promote better overall health. This list probably won’t come as much of a shocker, but the key to eating more of these foods and less unhealthy foods is to integrate them into your daily life.

You can’t look at it as “dieting,” as that implies a short-term lifestyle change. For maximum results, you’ll need to reevaluate your relationship with food and realize that healthy food can help you avoid a whole host of dental issues, while helping you manage your weight and increase your energy.

According to the American Dental Association® and Mouth Healthy™, the following foods and beverages are recommended to boost your dental health, immune system, and overall systemic health:

  • leafy greens
  • almonds
  • plain yogurt
  • milk
  • cheese
  • poultry
  • fish
  • eggs
  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • water

If your goal is to fight cavities, reduce your risk (or effectively manage) of gum disease, and embrace an overall healthier lifestyle, this list is for you!


Which Foods to Avoid

Of course we need to tackle the primary issue on the other side of the coin— which foods you need to avoid (or limit your intake of) in order to improve your dental health.

We’re not saying if you have one Snickers bar that you’re setting yourself up for failure because, let’s face it, that’s just not realistic. What we are saying is that if you avoid these foods 90% of the time, you’ll be in a much better position to enjoy a clean bill of health every time you visit the dentist:

  • Sugary, processed foods
  • Foods that are high in sugar or sugar substitutes (typically ending in -ose like high fructose corn syrup)
  • Sports drinks (water is all you will ever need to properly hydrate)
  • Candy
  • Food that has been genetically modified or involve the use of pesticides (more on this below)

The Organic vs. Non-Organic Debate

When it comes to the organic vs. non-organic debate, there are people who fall on both sides of the argument. Obviously, organic food tends to be more expensive than non-organic products, so cost is obviously a consideration.

Our recommendation is to eat organic foods when possible in order to avoid consuming as many harmful pesticides as possible.

In addition (when it comes to animal products), it’s better to use organic products, specifically coming from animals that are grass-fed (beef, milk, cheese, etc.).

We’re not going to spend too much time here because each person’s circumstance is different and there is plenty of research both in favor and against organic products.

All in all, the logic is pretty simple: You want to consume products that are as close to their natural state as possible (cows that eat grass, fruits with minimal pesticides and preservatives, etc.).


What About Beverages?

We touched earlier on sports drinks (which are full of empty calories). The only hydration you’ll ever need is water and it is much healthier, not only for your teeth, but for your body as a whole.

If you are a coffee or a soda drinker, you’ll want to re-evaluate your obsession as it may be damaging to your oral health by staining your teeth and leading to cavities. Again, if you are going to drink these beverages, we recommend that you don’t sip on them all day. It’s best to use a straw and also limit your consumption to no more than one dark beverage per day.


Eating a Healthy Diet and Routinely Seeing a Dentist is a Recipe for Success!

apple-eating-square

If you are in or near the West Babylon or Patchogue area on the South Shore Long Island, we encourage you to contact our locaiton nearest you today in order to schedule your appointment (Babylon Dental Care at Great South Bay or Babylon Dental Care at Gateway Plaza).

Our dental team will not only provide a thorough cleaning and exam, but we’ll discuss with you a few simple lifestyle changes that you can make in order to improve your overall health and well being.

Your health starts with your mouth, so come see us today!

Share This Article :

Related Posts

General Dentistry Explained

September 1, 2023

Leave A Reply

Testimonials

babylon

“This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

Angel W

babylon

“I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

Connor L

babylon

“At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

Kristina F

babylon

“Had the zoom whitening treatment and all I can say is wow!!”

Beth L

babylon

“I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this practice. Best dental practice ever! Everyone is so kind, caring and respectful. I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. I've had a lot of work done and am extremely pleased. They are very gentle and strive to keep you pain free. Very professional from reception on up. I highly recommend Babylon Dental. Would give them 10 stars if I could!”

Debra B

babylon

“I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

Jessica C

babylon

“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

Joseph S

babylon

“I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

Pete R

babylon

“Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

Verona B

babylon

“Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

Nick S

babylon

“I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

Scott A

babylon

“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

Chuck M

babylon

“Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

Ron S

babylon

“First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

Cara P

babylon

“I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

Regina B

babylon

“First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

Kayleigh P

babylon

“Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

Susan G

babylon

“From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Tom M

babylon

“Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

Elisabeth D

babylon

“Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

Marian P

babylon

“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

babylon

“I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

Gillian W

babylon

“Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

Angela P

babylon

“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

Brian K