Recently, the King has been encouraged to start eating his lunch after a lifetime of skipping the second meal of the day.
Whilst he has kept it tame, upping his lunchtime food intake to just an avocado, the King has ceased skipping meals for health reasons.
We constantly hear changing opinions from different sources about what we should eat and when, but which meal is the most important of the day and why?
Whilst all meals are considered important to ensure you get enough nutrients into your diet, the idea that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is widely accepted, but it’s more than just black and white.
Breakfast can offer important benefits, but this certainly varies depending on individual health goals, lifestyle, and personal preference. But, the benefits can be quickly counteracted by consuming poor breakfast foods high in sugar or full of refined carbohydrates.
However, when you eat a breakfast full of protein and rich in healthy fats, it can improve concentration throughout the day, regulate your blood sugar levels, and prevent overeating.
But what a lot of people don’t consider, is the importance of eating breakfast for your oral health. Dr Smita, BDS MFGDPRCS, Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practice, has provided insight into why eating consistent meals, and more specifically breakfast, is imperative when it comes to bettering your teeth and gums.
“Skipping any meal can negatively affect your oral health, but skipping breakfast is often considered the worst.
“First of all, it helps to initiate saliva production first thing in the morning. When you eat, your salivary glands are activated in response to the presence of food in your mouth. This is part of a natural digestive process.
“Saliva contains enzymes like lysozyme and immunoglobulins that help control the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, reducing the risk of infections such as gum disease and tooth decay.
“And overnight, your mouth tends to build up bacteria and acids from the reduced amount of saliva. Eating breakfast helps neutralise this acid.
So if you do skip the first meal of the day, whilst it isn’t detrimental, it can leave the acid unchecked for a longer period, making your teeth more susceptible to enamel erosion.
“Stimulating the salivary glands can also help prevent dry mouth, which can cause discomfort, bad breath, and a higher risk of tooth decay.
“Skipping breakfast or lunch can also lead to increased snacking throughout the day. Especially if you are busy at work or have a hectic schedule, you might often snack on unhealthy, sugary, or processed foods, which aren’t good for your teeth and gums.
“Whilst all meals are equally important to ensure you are receiving enough nutrients and promoting healthier habits, breakfast tends to be the one meal that rules as most beneficial for your oral health.
