Nutrition Plays a Pivotal Role In Oral Health: National Nutrition Month

Your dietary choices can greatly impact your oral health. Eating a nutritious diet supports healthy teeth and gums, while poor diets can contribute to damage to your teeth. Eating too much sugar could leave your teeth susceptible to decay, which is common yet highly preventable. In celebration of National Nutrition Month, top Houston dentist Dr. John Krell explains how the foods you choose play a role in the health of your mouth.

What Foods Lead to Poor Oral Health?

Foods with sugar put you at risk of tooth decay. Sugar comes in many forms and names, like fructose and glucose, and is present in a number of foods and beverages. Processed meals, sodas, and candy can all contribute to tooth decay. This is because sugar and starches within these and other unhealthy foods fuel the bacteria in your mouth that causes decay.

A diet that includes frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages can cause erosion, which is another form of damage. Acidic foods such as grapefruit, pickles, and cola all have low pH values, meaning they can slowly erode away enamel when coming into contact with your teeth.

Signs of a Healthy Mouth

In addition to avoiding acidic foods or those heavy in sugar, preventative dental measures can help improve your oral health. Keeping up with your regular dental cleanings and exams with Dr. Krell can help prevent dental problems before they occur. You should also keep up with good dental hygiene habits. Flossing, brushing, and using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses are all great preventative practices.

Making Wise Choices

While avoiding unhealthy foods is part of having good nutrition that contributes to oral health, getting enough healthy nutrients is also vital. An ideal diet for healthy teeth should be comprised of foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods that are good for you and your mouth include:

• Legumes
• Spinach
• Celery
• Carrots
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Fiber-rich fruits
• Sugar-free items

Additionally, you should be staying properly hydrated by consuming beverages such as water, which can dilute acid, antioxidant-rich beverages, and drinks that are high in calcium. Remember to consider drinks that are unsweetened or contain very little sugar.

Oral Health in Houston

National Nutrition Month serves as a great reminder of how your oral health can benefit from proper diet and nutrition. Dr. Krell is committed to your total oral health and has over 34 years of experience helping patients achieve and maintain beautiful smiles. If your teeth are being negatively affected by your nutrition or dietary habits, it is time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Krell. Call our Houston office at (713) 877-1775.