If you enjoy a diet of nutrient-dense foods, then you are probably doing your body good. While nutritious foods provide you with your recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals, too much of a good thing may have detrimental effects on your oral cavity. Here are some adverse oral reactions of nutritious foods and what you can do about them:

Citrus Fruit

Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are excellent sources of vitamin C. Their effects on your teeth and gums are two-fold. On the positive side, citrus fruit strengthens your gums, helping to make them more resistant to bacteria and infection.

If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, increasing your vitamin C intake may help. Conversely, too much vitamin C may lead to a condition known as acid erosion. The high acid content of citrus fruits can weaken your dental enamel which may raise your risk for cavities and abscesses.

This is because thin or eroded tooth enamel makes it easier for bacteria to get inside your teeth. If you enjoy vitamin C-rich foods but prefer to eat foods lower in acid content, try consuming more broccoli and spinach. If you consume large amounts of citrus fruit or juices, see your family dentist on a regular basis

Fish

Eating fish also has beneficial effects on your teeth and gums. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known as "good fats." Not only do they promote cardiovascular health, they can also enhance your immune function while keeping your teeth and gums infection-free. While eating fish has many health benefits, eating too much may lead to bleeding gums.

Omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to decrease platelet aggregation which means that your platelets become less sticky. While this feature is beneficial to people who are at high risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, it can cause heavy and prolonged bleeding.

If you take aspirin or a prescription anticoagulant, eating too much fish may increase bleeding tendencies. It is important that you let your dentist know if you consume omega-3 fatty acids along with aspirin or anticoagulants so that he or she can monitor you for signs of excessive gingival bleeding.

If you eat large amounts of citrus fruit or fish, see your family dentist on a regular basis. When you get routine dental checkups, you are less likely to experience oral effects from these foods including enamel erosion, sensitive teeth, cavities, and bleeding gums.