A well-balanced diet is essential for your health, both to maintain it and to improve it. A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, root crops, nuts and whole grains. Limit the intake of processed food, saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, salt and alcohol.
Diet – a healthy lifestyle choice
A healthy diet helps maintain your body’s everyday functions, promotes optimal body weight and can assist in disease prevention. It also has a positive impact on the immune system, and research has shown a positive effect on oral health. Several studies indicate an association between nutrition and periodontal diseases (diseases that affect the supporting tissue of the tooth).
From an oral health perspective, it is not only what you eat that matters. Equally important is how often you eat. Every time you consume something, bacteria in your mouth start producing acids that may harm the tooth enamel. Your teeth need some time to recover between the meals. If your teeth are under constant attack from acids, caries may start to develop, resulting in cavities.
The ideal eating pattern includes three main meals per day – breakfast, lunch and dinner – and two healthy snacks*. Shakes, smoothies and fruit juices may contain lots of nutritious ingredients but need to be considered as a meal or snack since they also contribute to an acid attack. You can drink water at any time. It is evident that the benefits of a healthy diet, consumed wisely, has a positive effect on your oral and general health. It is an investment in your long-term wellbeing.
* Some people may need to eat more frequently due to medical or other conditions.