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Link Between Proper Nutrition and Overall Well-Being

Sustaining a healthy smile also requires good nutrition and a well-balanced diet. Everything we consume makes direct contact with our teeth making the choices in what you make crucial in determining how healthy our oral health will stay. If left untreated, the status of your teeth and gums may result in you developing drastic food limitations.

Poor nutrition has also been linked to higher risks of some of the following conditions:

• Tooth decay
• Gum bleeding & inflammation
• Dental cavities
• Periodontal disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer

Top Beneficial Foods for Your Oral Health

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best and worst foods to eat if you wish to maintain a healthy smile. Integrating yourself into a more well-balanced diet will not only benefit your oral health but also provide essential nutrients for your overall well-being. This includes:

• Water - Without a doubt, the best beverage for your oral health is water, especially when it contains fluoride. Fluoride helps counteract any leftover sugar in your mouth and strengthens the teeth from acid erosion with the added substance.
• Calcium-Enriched Foods - Not only does calcium help strengthen teeth, but this mineral has also been proven to reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease. Along with dairy products, other foods rich in calcium include almonds, beans, chia seeds, and leafy greens.
• Lean proteins - Proteins rich in phosphorus including fish, meat, poultry, egg, and milk can provide extra strength for your teeth. To ensure you are maximizing the optimal amount of nutrients your body is receiving make sure to spread out the variety of your protein sources.
• Anti-inflammatory foods - Heart-healthy food like olive oil and avocado, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates within whole grains help combat inflammation.
• Fruits & vegetables - Fruits and vegetables rich in water content and fiber help with balancing sugar, producing and maintaining saliva flow, and overall helps to keep your teeth clean.

Foods to Avoid for Better Dental Health

• Acidic foods - Citrus and acidic fruits, teas, and black coffee contain irritating acids that can exacerbate inflammation as well as affect your tooth enamel.
• Sugary foods - Foods and beverages full of sugar has been linked to tooth decay and cavities. Many unexpected products contain high amounts of sugar, including certain fruits, white bread, pasta sauce, and sports or energy drinks.
• Sticky foods - Foods that are sticky, such as honey, raisins, chewing gum, in addition to starchy foods such as potato chips and bread can attach itself onto the surface of your teeth, enhancing your chances of developing cavities.

Ensure your dental health is in good hands. Contact us at (319) 339-4456 today.