Your body needs certain nutrients to fight infection and to repair the damage. If your diet is deficient in these nutrients, then you might find it harder to fight infections like periodontal disease (gum disease) and which is a major cause of tooth loss. Choosing foods that are high in sugars or starches can also harm your dental health. Bacteria naturally present in the mouth use starchy and sugary foods for energy, producing acid that gradually erodes tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities. If you like to eat lots of acidic foods, then the effect is worsened.
Eating a balanced diet helps your body fight signs of disease and infection, and it is helpful to avoid eating cavity-causing foods too frequently. If you want to eat something sugary, starchy or acidic, enjoy it as part of a main meal because this will help to reduce the damage to your teeth. If you like to snack, choose tooth-friendly foods like cheese, natural yoghurt or fresh fruit and vegetables.
