After three visits to the dentist in two weeks and dealing with a toddler who will only brush his teeth under duress, I am more focused than ever before on the role of nutrition in oral health. Many of us don’t see the connection between nutrition and oral health, so here’s information you should know about how one definitely affects the other.

A diet rich in simple sugars like those found in sugary sodas, candy, and juice increases the risk of tooth and gum problems. Increasingly, as sugary substances replace more nutritious selections in our diet, we are also feeding the natural acid-producing bacteria in our mouths that produce tooth decay. You can lower your chances of getting cavities by lowering the amount of sugar you consume.

Foods higher in fat and protein are less likely to have the characteristics that make some foods stick to your teeth and thus contribute to dental cavities.

Besides brushing after every meal and avoiding sugary foods, eating items that promote saliva production can also help keep your teeth clean. If you can’t routinely brush your teeth, try chewing sugar-free gum and rinsing with water between meals.

Eighty-five percent of adults have had at least one cavity. No matter how many cavities you may already have, avoiding more is important to your good oral health, so eat a balanced diet and avoid foods high in simple sugars.