Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety. Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations stated in the Canada’s Food Guide. Choose foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat, chicken, fish or beans. Avoid fad diets that limit certain food groups, which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

A poor diet affects the immune system in a negative way by increasing resistance to many disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Additionally, research shows a connection between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So eating a variety of foods as
part of a well-balanced diet may not only improve your dental health, but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may also reduce the risk of other diseases.

To help prevent two of the most common diseases of today, tooth decay (caries) and periodontal (gum) disease, merely improve your diet.  When the teeth and other hard tissues of the mouth are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria the results can be decay. Certain foods and food combinations are connected to elevated levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Poor nutrition is not directly the cause of periodontal disease, but many researchers consider that the disease progresses more rapidly and is more severe in patients whose nutritional input does not supply the necessary nutrients.

Always keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water.
Saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues. If you have a dry mouth, supplement your diet with sugarless candy or gum to stimulate saliva.

Foods that stick to your teeth promote tooth decay. Stay away from soft, sweet, sticky foods such as caramels, cakes and dried fruits. Instead, choose dentally healthy foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy.

When you eat fermentable carbohydrates, such as crackers, cookies and chips, eat them as part of your meal, instead of by themselves. Combinations of foods neutralize acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay. For example, enjoy cheese with your crackers. Your snack will be just as satisfying and better for your dental health.  Each time you eat, you create an environment for oral bacteria to develop. Additionally, studies are showing that dental disease is just as related to overeating as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension. So making a practice of eating too much of just about anything, too frequently, should be avoided.