Healthy Diet Healthy Teeth – Nutrition and Your Oral Health

Good nutrition plays an important role in your oral health. Simply put, a healthy diet means healthy teeth. Establishing and maintaining good nutritional habits benefit your oral and overall health. Making the right diet choices and practicing a daily oral care routine is key to avoiding tooth decay and gum disease.

Making the right diet choices

Too much of the wrong food can ruin your smile. Eating fruits or vegetables as snacks are far better for you than eating junk food such as potato chips, candy, and sodas. Frequent snacking of sugary foods without brushing afterward will only increase the bacteria in your mouth which leads to plaque. Plaque is what causes tooth decay which if not treated can lead to gum disease.

Good fruit and vegetable choices

Not all fruits and vegetables are ideal for snacking. The best fruit and snack choices are:

Pears
Melons
Celery
Cucumbers

These are better snack choices because they contain a high volume of water and are low in sugar.

Fruits and vegetables to limit or avoid

You will also need to be aware of fruits and vegetables that are acidic such as:

Grapes
Blueberries
Apples
Citrus fruits – oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes
Pineapples
Peaches
Tomatoes

Although these are considered healthy snacks, they can cause damage to your teeth not only because of the acidic content, but they are also high in sugar. You should also limit your consumption of fruit juices as many of them may contain additives or preservatives that are not healthy for your mouth or your body.

Make sure to include calcium in your diet as it is essential for building strong teeth and bones. Calcium deficiency can lead to poor circulation. Such as:

Abnormal heart rhythms
Numbness in fingers and toes
Muscle cramps
Convulsions
Loss of appetite

Foods that are good sources of calcium include:

Leafy greens
Milk
Yogurt
Cheese
Beans
Tofu
Clams
Trout

Choosing a healthy diet and maintaining a good oral care routine has long-term benefits for both your oral health and overall physical health. If you have young children, teach them early about the benefits of eating healthy.

Dr. Amy Marckese and the team at DentalSpa Indianapolis are ready to help you develop strategies that will promote a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Contact us today, or schedule a consultation online.