This month marks the 42nd anniversary of National Nutrition Month. The theme this year is “Bite into a healthy lifestyle.” Eating healthy is important for many reasons, including your dental health.
Your eating habits play a big part in preventing cavities and gum disease. The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect the health of your teeth and gums. If you drink too many sugar-filled sodas and sweetened fruit drinks, or eat non-nutritious snacks, you are at risk for tooth decay. Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease; but the good news is that it is entirely preventable.
Foods that contain sugar of any kind can contribute to dental decay. You should always read the nutrition labels on the foods and beverages and choose the ones that are the lowest in sugar. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is believed that this disease will progress faster and become more severe in people with poor nutrition.
For healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat or drink. Choose wisely. It’s not only what you eat or drink, but how often you eat or drink that can effect your teeth. Having some sweets with your meals is much better than having frequent sweets throughout the day. This is because frequent snacking gives the bacteria in your mouth the ability to produce acids in greater amounts which in turn will cause your enamel to breakdown faster and allow the formation of cavities.
For good dental health keep these tips in mind:
• Drink plenty of water and eat a variety of foods including the following: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean beef, skinless poultry, fish, dry beans, peas, and low-fat and fat-free dairy foods.
• Limit the number of sugary snacks you eat.
• Make good choices like fruit, vegetables, nuts or a piece of cheese.
• Remember to limit the frequency of snacking between meals.
Top foods that can damage your teeth are hard candies, ice (crack teeth), citrus fruits (can erode enamel), coffee (with sugar), sticky foods (like dried fruits), crunchy foods like potato chips (filled with starch, converts to sugar) and soda. Limit alcohol (dry mouth) and sports drinks. Alternatives are to drink plenty of water and chew sugarless gum.
For good dental health, always remember to brush twice a day (2 minutes, 2 times a day), floss daily and use a fluoride containing toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Visit your dentist regularly, because with the regular dental care your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring in the first place, and also catch those that do occur in the early stages when they are easier to treat.
Prevention is a wise choice!!
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
