Nutrition. It’s one of the big pillars of overall health, and when most people think about it, it’s in reference to their waistline, energy level, and performance. But as you can imagine, what you put in your mouth matters a lot for your dental health as well. With March being National Nutrition Month, it’s as good a time as any to make sure that your diet is not just serving your body, but also your smile, so here are some tasty tips.
Tip #1: Sugar Isn’t Evil
You’ve probably heard since you were a child that sugar will give you cavities, and that isn’t completely correct! The way cavities form is that oral bacteria feed on the leftover food particles on your teeth, and this causes them to produce an acidic byproduct that can eat away at your enamel, creating a cavity.
While many places on the internet will make it sound like you should avoid sugar in all forms, that simply isn’t reasonable. The key is moderation, as in eating a diet that consists of mostly non-sugary foods and drinks. And, even if you do have the occasional sweet treat, keeping up with your brushing and flossing at home will help you avoid “sugar bugs” in the long term.
Tip #2: Go Green For Your Pearly Whites
One of the building blocks of your teeth is calcium, and while it’s common knowledge that dairy products like milk and cheese are rich in it, so are leafy green vegetables. This includes items like spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, okra, mustard greens, and the list goes on.
Tip #3: Water is Your Best Friend
Sugar-sweetened beverages (or SSBs) are where most people get the bulk of their sugar intake each day. This refers to drinks like soda, sweet teas, coffee, juices, and energy drinks. While these have their place, you should primarily drink unflavored water when you’re thirsty. Not only is it the best option for hydration, but it will also give your mouth a nice rinse, getting rid of those pesky food particles touched on above. Plus, tap water is usually fluoridated, meaning that refreshing glass will literally help strengthen your teeth and make you less likely to develop decay, chips, and cracks.
The occasional sweet treat is dentist-approved, but as long as your diet mostly consists of whole vegetables, lean meats, and ol’ H2O, you’ll have a problem-free smile that will look as good as it feels.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk has been taking care of Oklahoma City for over 30 years as a trusted family, cosmetic, and implant dentist. He works proactively to help our patients preserve their teeth for as long as possible, which is why we offer a wide variety of preventive services and always educate our patients on how to keep themselves safe and healthy at home. If you’d like to learn more about how you can make your diet work for your smile, contact Grand Dental Studio today.