Nutrition Awareness Month

March is nutrition awareness month. This article discusses the importance your general health has on your overall oral health. What you eat has a huge impact on keeping your general health in order.

We know that life gets in the way and it’s easy to have a million other things on your mind. It’s also really quick and easy to go through the drive through and grab a burger and fries because it’s convenient. You may be wondering what a dental blog is doing talking about nutrition, but we are here to say that it is important that you keep nutrition a priority in your everyday life.

When it comes to your teeth, taking great care cleaning your teeth at home and eating well are the two best ways of maintaining good oral health. A regular diet that contains regular fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy plays a huge role in supporting your overall dental health.

 

Which foods can help improve your oral health?

Since Nutrition Awareness Month is all about education and information we wanted to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits and how those decisions lead to better oral health.

Eating foods that are high in calcium can help strengthen your enamel and keep your teeth and bones strong. Low-fat dairy, cheeses, and many vegetables like broccoli, contain higher amounts of calcium. If your diet is lacking calcium, adding these types of foods to your diet will help improve your overall health and wellness, as well as your oral health. If you are lactose intolerant, consider taking calcium supplements instead!

Vitamin C is not only helpful for your immune system when we are sick, but it also helps maintain healthy gums. Lack of vitamin C in your diet may cause your gums to become more tender and cause bleeding. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are some of the best options for vitamin C intake. Peppers, green leafy vegetables, and strawberries are also excellent sources of vitamin C.

Finally, it is important to stay hydrated. Not only does your body need water but so do your teeth, particularly after your morning cup of coffee. If you add sugar to your coffee or tea, be sure to drink lots of water after to avoid sugar creating bacteria in your mouth which can turn into unwanted plaque buildup on your teeth.

 

Which foods should you avoid to better your oral health?

Some foods and beverages in our diets work against our oral health. These foods can risk your enamel by creating an environment that is perfect for tooth decay to occur. Sugary soda drinks, sticky sweet foods, and too much sugar in your morning coffee every day, for example, are some of the worst foods for your teeth. Try to limit sodas, sugary juices, and sweet, sticky foods in your regular day-to-day diet. Notice, we said limit, not avoid altogether. If you do consume any of these foods or beverages, just be sure to drink lots of water in between or give your teeth a floss and brush right after to protect your winning smile.

 

To learn how to unlock the potential of food, download the 2019 Factsheet from dietitians.ca.

Remember, a balanced diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein all contribute to a healthier body and healthier teeth. Don’t forget to give us a call to schedule your first check-up and cleaning in 2019. Visiting our office at least twice a year will keep you on track with your oral health for many years to come.