Most of us may not know it, but our Oral Health is considered to be a window to our overall health. Our mouth is the entry point to our digestive and respiratory tracts and therefore becomes a critical part of our nourishment and defense against bacterial infection. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

The most common problem caused by improper dental health management is the dental caries or also known as tooth decay or dental cavity. It is caused by dental plaque turning sugar into acid. This can progress to gum diseases or worst, to dental abscesses or collection of pus at the end of the teeth or in the gum. Children are mostly afflicted by this condition and is usually the reason for their low appetite or low food intake that results to undernutrition.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. To control the amount of sugar you eat, read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on foods and beverages and choose options that are lowest in sugar. Common sources of sugar in the diet include soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection.

To ensure a healthy oral state, the common foods to omit or lessen are sticky candies and sweets, starchy foods that can get stuck in our mouth, carbonated soft drinks, and substances that dry out the mouth. Choose foods or dishes that include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, low fat foods, dairy foods and foods rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C. The overall oral health is not only limited to the diet of the person. To ensure the optimal dental health, always remember to brush twice or more a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss on a daily basis and have regular dental check-ups.

/Pyke Matus

References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diet-and-dental-health
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4062
https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/healthy-nutrition-for-healthy-teeth