How Your Daily Diet Impacts Oral Health and Tooth Decay

The Silent Enemy: Free Sugars

What you eat directly impacts the health of your teeth. Every time you consume sugary foods or drinks, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars to produce acids. These acids attack your tooth enamel, leading to decay.

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends reducing free sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake, and ideally below 5%, to minimize the risk of dental caries throughout your life.

Foods That Build Strong Teeth

• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help remineralize tooth enamel.
• Crunchy Vegetables: Carrots and celery stimulate saliva production, your mouth's natural defense against acid.
• Water: Fluoridated water is the best beverage for maintaining oral health.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) - Oral Health