Maintaining oral and dental health is not only about brushing teeth regularly, but also involves the daily food choices we make. Food plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the oral ecosystem, preventing cavities, and strengthening hard tissues like tooth enamel. By selecting the right kinds of food, we can naturally protect our teeth and gums from various threats, including acids, bacteria, and mineral deficiencies.
Foods That Benefit Teeth and Gums
Several types of food have been proven to be good for dental health, including:
- High-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery. These foods stimulate saliva production, which helps clean food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth.
- Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Their calcium and phosphate content helps strengthen tooth enamel and support remineralization.
- Foods that contain natural fluoride, such as green tea and certain types of freshwater fish.
- Plain water, as the main fluid that helps rinse the mouth from food residue and prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Consuming sugary and sticky foods like candy, cakes, or processed chips can increase the risk of dental cavities, especially if teeth are not properly cleaned.
The Role of Early Dietary Habits
Healthy eating habits should be established early in life. Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay when they frequently consume sweet foods without supervision. A study by UGM Dental students Chorinne Layla Herlita, under the supervision of drg. Lisdrianto Hanindriyo, MPH, Ph.D. and Dr. drg. Dibyo Pramono, SU, MD.Sc., , titled The Relationship Between Mothers’ Knowledge of Healthy Food and Dental Caries in Children Aged 4–6 Years in Yogyakarta City, found a significant correlation between mothers' knowledge of healthy food and lower caries rates in children.
This finding highlights the vital role of families, especially mothers, in shaping children's dietary patterns, which directly impact their dental health. Children who are used to eating healthy food from an early age are at a lower risk of cavities compared to those frequently given sweet snacks or sugary drinks.
Nutritional Balance as the Key
Choosing foods that support dental health does not mean completely avoiding all sweet treats, but rather managing them wisely. A balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals supports the strength of tooth structure and the health of soft tissues in the mouth. Timing of consumption is also important—avoid frequent snacking outside regular meals, as it increases the frequency of acid attacks in the mouth.
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Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy can start in your kitchen. Choosing the right foods, teaching children to enjoy healthy meals from an early age, and limiting sweet and sticky snacks are simple yet impactful steps. Parents, especially mothers, play an essential role in shaping their children’s healthy eating habits, which ultimately lay the foundation for their future oral health.
References
Chorinne Layla Herlita, drg. Lisdrianto Hanindriyo, MPH, Ph.D.; Dr. drg. Dibyo Pramono, SU, MD.Sc., , The Relationship Between Mothers’ Knowledge of Healthy Food and Dental Caries in Children Aged 4–6 Years in Yogyakarta City https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/230030
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Editor: Shinta | Photo: Freepik
