Can diet improve your oral health
There are several ways in which what you eat, when you eat and how you eat can affect your oral health.
We’re often told as kids that too much sugar will rot our teeth. Well, unfortunately, that is true. However, it’s not limited to our intake of sweets. Sugar and acids attack the teeth and gums for up to an hour after consuming them. It makes sense then to follow a healthy and balanced diet to keep your mouth in tip-top condition. A balanced pH is absolutely vital for healthy teeth and gums, which means that we need to watch what we’re eating and drinking.
It isn’t all bad news. It’s not the amount of sugar and acids that we consume, but how often we consume them. Obviously brushing and a good oral care routine will help get rid of the majority of bad bacteria.
We’ve been looking at some helpful hints on how you can improve your oral health without having to give up all the things you love.
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Alcohol. Are you a wine or a cider drinker? If so, these are some of the most acidic drinks you can indulge in. Wine falls between 2.7-4.0 on the pH scale, whilst cider is usually between 2.9-4.5. Now, if we consider that vinegar has a pH balance of around 2, it’s easy to see how those beverages can impact your oral health. Vodka (6.0-7.0) and whiskey (9.0) are much higher in alkaline with beer and lager around 4.0-5.0.
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Fruit Juice. It’s recommended that we stick to a glass of fruit juice or a smoothie with meals. Or, at the very least, to dilute them in between meals. These are typically high in acid and natural sugars. It’s important to check the ingredients when you shop to make sure that your favourite brand isn't adding any unrefined sugars to that mix too! Cranberry juice is the most acidic, generally falling between 2.3-2.5. Apple juice and grape juice also have a high acid pH so should be consumed in moderation.
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Some Dairy Products. These can be tricky. Whilst some dairy products are considered alkalising (yoghurt and milk), products made from cow's milk, like cheese, ice cream and milkshakes, are higher in acid. Some diets require dairy products as a source of calcium. As with fruits and fruit juice, moderation is the key. It’s also worth trying to steer clear of processed dairy foods if you can. With so many dairy-free options now available there are multiple ways to make changes to this aspect of your diet for oral health.
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Square Meals vs Snacks. Also a bit of a tricky one. Technically, it’s better for your teeth if you eat meals as opposed to several snacks throughout the day. There are a number of reasons this kind of diet can benefit your oral health. Mainly, it’s because bacteria can attack the teeth and gums for up to an hour following meals or snacks. Thus by snacking regularly as opposed to eating a regular meal, your oral health is at more risk. If you prefer to snack as opposed to eating set time meals, there are ways that you can alkalise your mouth between snacks. These include brushing your teeth, drinking water regularly and chewing gum.
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Everything in Moderation. The thing is, nobody is perfect. Even with the best of intentions, the occasional chocolate bar, boiled sweet or pint of orange juice and lemonade is sometimes too tempting to resist. It’s a good idea to cut down on refined sugars, for multiple health reasons. It’s a good idea to keep track of especially acidic or sugary foods which you may eat. Ultimately though, the key is balance and a good oral care routine.
There are multiple factors to consider, especially when including existing conditions such as sensitive teeth or inflamed gums. The above is really just a basic outline of how your diet can affect your overall oral health. Your dentist can advise you if you need to drastically cut down on your sugar or acid intake. Always keep in mind that a regular and thorough oral care routine is one of the best ways you can keep a healthy pH balance for your teeth and gums!
Did you know…?
The ingredients in Truthpaste are specifically picked to help maintain a healthy pH balance for your teeth and gums.
Tell us what you think!
Have you changed your diet for your oral health? Have we missed something out? Get in touch via the comments below.
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Let customers speak for us
from 2063 reviewsStrong taste but I feel it’s really doing the job. Thanks x
I was so happy when I came across this brand that are plastic free, non toxic and do a hydroxyapetite toothpaste!! Out of the Truthpaste flavours, this one and the fennel are my fave. They clean my teeth brilliantly. Yes they’re more expensive than your average toothpaste but the credentials of this brand are worth it. Hopefully will see them stocked on shelves in shops in the near future!!
Great product so far, its only been a few days so time will tell.
Truth paste is my got to brand now.
Does everything I need it to. I feel my teeth and gums are getting what they need. Worth it!
It's wonderful and awesome. Cleans really well and keeps your mouth clean for longer hours than regular paste. It's wondersome!
Received a sample pot with my last order. Same great attributes as it's peppermint cousin but the citrus flavour made it really different. It seemed really odd for a toothpaste not to have a peppermint flavour but odd doesn't mean bad. The citrus flavour seemed more gentle, even indulgent. Begs the question - should it have a matching citrus flavour mouthwash???
Very happy to see the launch of this flavour both of us thought it was a really nice
I will definitely be ordering this product together with the citrus & fennel charcoal flavour both all really nice
I really like the minty hydroxyapatite version, but this one is preferred by my children and also its just nice for a flavour change. Ongoing I think I will buy both.
I tried this as a sample and really liked the taste, will definitely order in a jar, plus it is helping my sensitive teeth and improving my overall health of teeth
So, like other posters, a small sample of the citrus truthpaste was included in my main order.
Loved the no foam, as I believe foam equals chemicals.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the taste, but I did, so the prospect of a normal sized version is welcome.
I have used non fluoride tooth care for some years, I purchased mine at reasonable cost at Asian stores.
However this was my very first experience of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Right from the initial tooth cleaning ritual, I could feel the difference.
I actually felt like I had that clean result after a hygienist session.
I actually wanted to smile, instead of bringing my hand to my lips when chuckling 🤭 👎/😁👍
I am aware that this trurhpaste isn’t cheap to buy,
BUT….
not much product is needed compared to conventional toothpastes.
I also thought it was more hygienic to NOT put the toothbrush head into the tin of paste, instead choosing to use a very small spatula to take half a pea sized amount (it’s quite a thick texture) to place it with directly onto my teeth, or onto the toothbrush.
Then before turning my electric toothbrush on, I spread the paste across all surfaces of my teeth, then I turn the brush on to proceed brushing each section, in turn.
That way, I feel all of my teeth get an equal distribution of the paste.
I think I kinda treat the truthpaste as a precious recipe to be treated with respect, hope that doesn’t sound daft 🤪
I am an older adult, and I use my teeth cleaning time to simultaneously perform my squats, and I count my squats on each section of teeth cleaning, so my legs get toned and strong at the same time.
So I exit the bathroom with squeaky clean teeth, fresh mouth, and stringer legs each time.
I hope my review is useful, as I although I do leave reviews/feedback, it’s not usually as detailed and enthusiastic as this one.
THANK YOU Truthpaste for providing a thick tasty zingy paste that I enjoy and can see and feel the difference with.
I got a free sample of the orange Truthpaste with a larger order recently. I like it, nice change from mint. I slightly prefer the charcoal, orange and fennel but I don't think it has the hydroxyapatite - you'd need to check that (sorry!) The little tins are great for travel too.
One word it is the truth I’ve tried other proclaimed organic fluoride free toothpaste a this one beats them hands down. It has eased recurring symptoms and issues I had with my mouth. Thank you so much x
Too early to mention about its benefits to my teeth. But, I really like it. Easy to use, great taste and my teeth feel very clean afterwards.
Ultra FA-N-T-A-S-T-I-C. A wonderful fresh feeling and taste in the mouth. Teeth
look gleaming after use. Thank you Truthpaste.
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