Nutrition plays a significant role in oral health. By eating right, you are taking care of your teeth, gums, and mouth as a whole. Plus, by eating at the proper times, you can have a positive impact on your oral health too.
In recognition of National Nutrition Month, here is some information on how eating right can support your oral health.
Sugar Leads to Tooth Decay
Any food or beverage that contains sugar promotes tooth decay. That is why many dentists tell patients to avoid candies, sugary sodas, and similar items, as they are essentially designed to hurt the health of your teeth and gums.
But, this means that even healthy options, like fruits and many vegetables, can harm your oral health. However, you can partially counteract this by opting for foods and beverages that are low in sugar, drinking water after consuming foods or other drinks, and chewing sugarless gum. Plus, regular brushing can help keep the sugar from sticking around on your teeth and in your mouth, limiting your chances of tooth decay.
Snacking Isn’t Ideal for Oral Health
Whenever you eat, you are giving food particles a chance to get stuck between teeth. By limiting the number of snacks you consume during the day, you limit your exposure to foods that can harm your teeth and gums.
Plus, saliva production is generally reduced when you snack when compared to how much you have during an actual meal, so it isn’t as effective at washing away food particles. Often, this is because the eating period is so much shorter, so your body doesn’t have a chance to ramp up saliva production.
If you must snack, select healthy foods with low amounts of sugar. Additionally, once you are finished, drink plenty of water, allowing you to rinse away food particles or chew sugarless gum, giving you an opportunity to increase saliva production.
Foods Can Help Your Teeth
Proper nutrition is essential if you want to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. The human body requires a variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain good oral health, and eating a balanced diet can help make sure you get everything you need. Often, this means consuming whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean sources of protein.
Nutrition plays a big role in oral health, so be mindful when selecting foods and drinks. If you aren’t sure whether you are making wise choices, talk with your Waco and Harker Heights dentist. They will be happy to give you tips.
Reviews From Our Patients
Krystle J.
Sammy, Connor, the front desk staff, Dental Hygenist and especially Dr. Town are amazing! It’s great to see the same faces everyone I get a cleaning! Sammy makes the experience comfortable and welcome. Connor may be quiet but he always does a great job! The dental hygienist always remembers me and my kids. Sorry I cant remember her name but she knows who I am and that’s what matters:) Thankful for this staff and the great care they give to my family!
Linda F.
I love it here. I have never seen a dental office give flowers to first timers. Everyone was so welcome if. In pain but you guys still made me smile. I told my daughter she need to come there. I love how you guys work with options of payment. Again thanks for making me smile in pain.
Emily C.
We’ve always had a good experience at Stonehaven. The women at the front desk are always cheerful and helpful. I love the hygienists, they always make my children and I feel comfortable and informed. I have pretty high dental anxiety and they’ve never tried to minimize my fears- but they listen to me, and help me feel as comfortable as possible. The dentists and orthodontists have been great! No issues at all. (I just wish my daughter was better at flossing, but we’re working on that!)
Yolanda R.
Oh my god, this doctor and staff are the best! They are friendly, they explained everything very thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable. The office is so clean and every one of the staff is so amazing especially Crystal! I recommend this dental office big time!!! Thank you Stonehaven Dental!!
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"This is my first time at Stonehaven dental. Everyone was super friendly, and helpful. Dr Town came in and visited with me and together we developed a treatment plan to address the issues that were present on my teeth. Couldn't be more happy with the experience with everyone in the office!"