Did you know that it's National Smile Month from the 12th May to 12th June? Organised by the Oral Health Foundation, this annual event is all about raising awareness of important oral health issues to help bring a smile to millions of people. Each year, a different theme is chosen, and this year’s is ‘Feed Your Smile’, focusing on the connection between diet and oral health.
Feed your smile
What we eat and drink on a daily basis has a significant impact on our teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Diet is always an important part of general health conversations, however, it’s important to remember that your mouth is constantly interacting with everything you consume. Each bite or sip you take can either nourish or harm your oral health.
Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can fuel harmful bacteria that erodes the enamel of your teeth and irritates your gums, whilst staying hydrated and following a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps support strong teeth, healthy gums, and promotes saliva production - your month’s natural defence system.
So how should you feed your smile? Let's look at how your diet plays such a starring role in helping you maintain a confident, healthy smile:
A balanced diet
A balanced diet is the foundation for great oral health. Like the rest of your body, your teeth and gums need a variety of nutrients to stay strong and healthy. Vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus are essential building blocks for your tooth enamel – the protective outer layer of your teeth. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides these vital nutrients, helping prevent tooth decay and helping your gums stay healthy and less prone to inflammation.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining a healthy smile. It helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup and cavities. Plus, it keeps your mouth hydrated, which is crucial for saliva production. Your saliva acts as a natural cleanser, neutralising acids produced by bacteria, and helping to strengthen tooth enamel. On the other hand, failing to drink enough water can lead to a dry mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to flourish.
Reducing sugar intake
Too much sugar is the enemy of a healthy smile. When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in your mouth feasts on that sugar and produces acids that attack your tooth enamel, leading to demineralisation and eventually, cavities. Cutting back on sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods significantly reduces the fuel source for these harmful bacteria, protecting your teeth.
Healthy snacks
Snacking can be a part of a healthy diet, but the type of snacks you choose makes all the difference when it comes to your oral health. Opting for nutrient-rich snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt provides energy without the harmful effects of sugary or processed options. These healthier choices are less likely to contribute to acid production and enamel erosion.
Dairy products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are great sources of calcium and phosphorus, both vital minerals for strong teeth. Cheese, in particular, has been shown to have protective effects against tooth decay. It helps stimulate saliva production, which washes away food particles and neutralises acids. Finishing a meal with a small amount of cheese is an effective way to protect your smile.
Maintaining a good oral health routine
While diet is crucial, a good oral hygiene routine is your smile’s best friend and works hand in hand with a balanced diet. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and bacteria, and flossing daily cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush can't reach.
As well as following a daily routine, it’s also important to maintain a long term routine of going for dental checkups on a regular basis. Regular hygienist appointments also help to keep your teeth sparkling clean, your gums healthy, and your breath fresh. We recommend visiting your dentist twice a year, or more often if you have concerns about your oral health. This routine, combined with a mouth friendly diet, creates a powerful defence against oral health problems.
Invest in your smile this National Smile Month (and beyond)
Making clever choices about what you eat and drink isn't just about preventing cavities; it's about investing in a smile you can truly feel confident in – a smile that's healthy, strong, and radiant from the inside out. It's amazing how much control we have over our oral health simply through the foods and drinks we choose to nourish ourselves with!
For advice on good oral care and information on a healthy diet to feed your smile, arrange your next dental checkup.
