Proper nutrition can benefit you in a number of ways. These include increased energy, improved immunity, glowing skin, mental clarity, and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. How often, however, do you consider how your diet affects your oral health?
How Does Diet Affect Oral Health?
Your diet can impact your risk of cavities, enamel health, and gum condition. Healthy foods provide an environment that can prohibit inflammation and infection. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts are the ideal choices for oral health. Calcium-fortified beverages, milk, and other dairy products provide vitamins, minerals, and calcium that assists in keeping teeth, bones, and gums healthy. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, will help clean your teeth and gums.
A healthy diet contains all the important vitamins and minerals, and the most important mineral for teeth is fluoride – especially for children. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in, therefore adequate fluoride is critical. Don’t forget, however, that too much fluoride is harmful. Dr. Justin Johnson can advise you on the exact dosage of fluoride for your child, taking into account whether your municipal water is fluoridated.
Bacteria that causes enamel-destroying plaque love a steady diet of sugar—from soda, candy, and even fruit juices. When enamel wears away, the teeth become vulnerable to discoloration, damage, and cavities. Sugary foods that are especially harmful are those that get trapped in the spaces between teeth and the small pits and cracks in the molars. Candies that are chewy or hard can lodge in these spaces and allow for the adverse sugar to have direct contact with enamel until brushing occurs. Sticky candy can also damage braces and retainers. More than one retainer has fallen prey to sticky caramel or hard taffy.
Schedule an Appointment for General Dentistry in Jefferson City
Be sure to brush after each meal and before bed. In addition, remember to floss or use a water irrigating method to dislodge food particles trapped in spaces. By eating well, brushing properly, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods that stick to your teeth, you can have a beautiful smile for life. At Jefferson City Dental Care, we provide our patients with advanced general dentistry in Jefferson City. Helping our dental patients stay healthy is important to us, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want through cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, teeth whitening, and smile makeovers. Jefferson City Dental Care has been serving the Jefferson City area since 2008. Please contact us at 573-634-2400 if you are looking for first-rate general dentistry in Jefferson City. We have the experience, expertise, and personalized attention you deserve.
Contact Jefferson City Dental Care:
573-634-2400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3551 Amazonas Dr
Jefferson City, Missouri
65109
