Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good overall health, including oral health! As you know, a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. The food we eat not only affects our bodies but also our teeth and gums. The nutrients we consume are used to build and repair tissues, like teeth and gums. Poor nutrition can lead to dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss! Frankel Dentistry wants to encourage a healthy lifestyle to promote overall well being as well as great oral health! Let’s learn how your diet is affecting your smile!
Sugar is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to dental problems. When we consume sugary foods and drinks, bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and produce acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, causing it to weaken and eventually leading to cavities. The more sugar we consume, the more acid our teeth are exposed to, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Acidic foods and drinks can also be detrimental to dental health. Citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to tooth sensitivity and discoloration. It’s important to limit our consumption of acidic foods and drinks and rinse our mouths with water after consuming them.
Calcium and phosphorus are two essential minerals that help to strengthen tooth enamel. Foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts are excellent sources of these minerals. Consuming these foods regularly can help to prevent tooth decay and keep our teeth strong and healthy.
Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which is essential for strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D is found in foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and milk. However, the body also produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Our Northwest Ohio sun exposure is limited so, you may need to take vitamin D supplements to ensure you’re getting enough!
Drinking water is essential for maintaining good dental health. Water helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. It’s especially important to drink water after consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks to help neutralize the acid in the mouth.
Frankel Dentistry wants you to have a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles! Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins can help to prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. It’s also essential to limit our consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks and drink plenty of water. By taking care of our bodies and teeth, we can maintain excellent oral health for a lifetime. Remember, Dr. Frankel wants to see you smile!