There’s no better way to celebrate National Nutrition Month this March than by altering your diet to include snacks that are good for your body as well as your teeth and gums. Many people don’t associate what they eat with their oral health, but it’s no surprise that everything that your teeth chew can have an impact on your smile. Read on to learn about five foods that are great for your teeth and gums and how you can preserve your smile while staying healthy.
How Does Diet Impact Oral Health?
Harmful oral bacteria that are known to cause a variety of oral health problems, including decay and gum disease, love to feed off of ingredients like sugar and carbohydrates that are commonly found in processed food. After they consume these substances, they release waste in the form of acid that can erode your enamel or toxins that result in infection and inflammation.
As the bacteria accumulate in your mouth and begin producing more and more waste, the protective layer of your teeth called your enamel will wear away, leaving the more vulnerable structures underneath open to being attacked. In addition to eating foods that are high in sugars and carbohydrates, foods that stick to your teeth and are hard for your saliva to clear away are also a great energy source for harmful oral bacteria.
What are 5 Healthy Foods That Are Good For Your Mouth?
This March is National Nutrition Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than to learn what types of healthy foods can also be great for your mouth. By substituting some of the following items in place of processed snacks, you can help keep oral health problems at bay while looking after your body:
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy oral tissue and is great for gum disease prevention.
- Apples are a crunchy fresh fruit that helps remove plaque from the surface of your teeth.
- Dairy products contain vital ingredients used to strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth.
- High-fiber vegetables like raw celery and spinach require serious chewing to properly break down and act as a natural toothbrush that cleans away harmful substances in your mouth.
- Fish, including salmon and tuna, contain vital vitamins that support gum health, like vitamin D.
How Does Caring For Your Smile Preserve Your Overall Wellbeing?
Several studies have connected oral health problems like gum disease to an increased risk of medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory infections, and even diabetes. That means that when you keep your teeth and gums free of any problems, you’re also looking after your overall health and wellbeing, which means it’s an effort well worth making.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon is incredibly passionate about helping his patients preserve their smiles so they can enjoy them for the rest of their lives. By focusing on providing high-quality preventive dental care, he’s able to supply patients with the tools and knowledge they need to prevent oral health problems from developing. He regularly attends continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in his field. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Weldon General and Cosmetic Dentistry’s website or call 352-622-3236.