An Alkaline Diet for Oral Health

Acids and bases might sound like something from far back in your memory, like middle-school science class, but the concept is still applicable to every aspect of life today.

The foods and beverages you consume daily, significantly impact your oral and overall health, positively or negatively. By choosing the right foods, you can promote and protect your health. While this may not be new information, it’s often easier said than done.

Dr. Judy Marcovici, a dentist in North Reading at Inertia Dental, explains how an alkaline diet can benefit your oral health and overall well-being.

What is an Alkaline Diet?

Everything around us is made of chemicals that are either some level of acidic or basic (alkaline). Chemicals are numbered on the pH scale from 0-6 as acidic, 7 as neutral, and 8-14 as alkaline, and more people are talking these days about the negative effects of diets high in acidity. A minimally acidic—or alkaline—diet will contain mostly foods with a pH above 7.

Research shows that some chronic diseases (such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease) and even cancer are linked to eating a highly acidic diet. An acidic environment is a breeding ground for bacteria, disease, and decay, and is the primary culprit behind chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is one of the main contributing factors for many different health problems. 

Eating an alkaline diet can counter these effects. Your body has great natural processes for balancing your internal pH, but you can relieve stress on these systems by eating less acidic and more alkaline foods. An alkaline diet aims to support your internal organ systems and the overall function of your body. 

Benefits of an Alkaline Diet for Oral Health

Too much acid in the body can leech calcium, which is bad for your bones. Eating an alkaline diet can help protect your teeth and oral health. 

Of course, acidic foods can be a problem for your teeth even before you fully digest them. Too much acid wears down your enamel (the hard, white, outside layer of each tooth). This is bad for tooth sensitivity, cavities, and the life expectancy of each tooth. Some studies found that the acid in dark soda (phosphoric acid) is particularly bad for your teeth.

Unfortunately, the standard American diet is high in processed, acidic foods like sugar and dairy, so it takes some effort to lower your consumption of them. But don’t worry—eating more alkaline foods is easier than you might think – and quite enjoyable!

Alkaline Diet Foods 

Alkaline foods tend to be raw and unprocessed. Think of fresh leafy greens, salads, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. The more colorful your diet, the better off you will be.

The most alkaline foods include:

• Fresh vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, celery, cucumber, endive, garlic, grasses, kale, parsley, sprouts, spinach
• Fresh fruits – avocado, coconut, grapefruit, lemon, lime, pomegranate, rhubarb, tomato
• Beans, lentils, quinoa
• Oils and fats – flax, hemp, avocado, olive, evening primrose, borage
• Nuts and seeds – almonds, buckwheat groats, caraway seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds
• Hummus, tahini

Acidic foods you should avoid include:

• Grains
• Sugar
• Dairy
• Fish
• Meats
• Processed foods
• Saturated fat
• Vegetable oil

While citrus fruits are highly acidic in their natural state and can do damage to your tooth enamel, many of them become alkaline once digested and can provide several health benefits. Citrus fruits should be consumed in moderation, and you should always rinse your mouth with water after enjoying them to minimize damage to your teeth. 

Whenever you try new foods, it can take a while to learn how you like them prepared. Don’t be discouraged, but look for recipes and spices (other than salt) to enhance your alkaline diet.

If you have more questions about how your diet affects your oral health, Inertia Dental would love to empower you with information and support. Make an appointment to see Inertia Dental soon!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.