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We all know that eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables is good for our hearts, bones, and muscles. However, you may not realize that eating a healthy diet also impacts oral health. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released a paper last year about the relationship between nutrition and oral health. More recently, the Academy of Nutrition’s website published a practice paper that elaborates the earlier findings. Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, provide comprehensive dentistry in a comfortable dental office. They support these findings regarding the significance of nutrition and would like to share them with their patients.

A New Role for Dentists

The paper recommends that dentists take on the new role of discussing the importance of healthy eating with their patients. The paper also points out that a nutritional assessment may be in order because an actual assessment can more accurately reflect a patient’s individual food choices. Dentists can then reiterate the impact of food choices on their patients’ oral health.

Foods That Help Oral Health

The paper shared some tips for healthy eating that will enhance oral health. Overall, eating foods low in sugar will help prevent cavities. Fruits, vegetables, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt promote oral health. Limit foods that can erode the enamel, the hard outer coating of the teeth. These foods and drinks include soft drinks, fruit juices, and sour candies. Strive to avoid any sugary drinks including sports drinks or energy drinks, and reach for water instead. The bacteria in our mouths feed on sugar and then give off an acid that eats through the enamel. This can lead to a small hole in the enamel called a cavity. Registered dieticians are an excellent resource on healthy eating and food’s effect on our overall health.

About Your Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates provide a wide variety of services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, sleep apnea assistance, dentures, implants, and mini implants. To schedule a consultation, please call (817) 473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris welcome and serve patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.