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Are you vigilant about your smile’s health? Maybe this year you decided to become even more serious about taking care of your teeth than you have been in years past? Maybe you might have added flossing to your daily hygiene routine? Are you finally making it a priority to see your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings? If you are upgrading your smile’s care, have you considered how greatly your diet can impact your oral health? Understanding the role that food and drink plays in your teeth and gums’ health, can help you make more mindful choices.

Getting Important Nutrients

Your entire body relies on vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to stay strong and healthy. If you have a diet that is lacking in any of these essential building blocks, it can lead to poor overall health. It can also lead to struggles maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The best sources of important nutrients are whole foods, such as vegetables and fruits, lean sources of protein, and healthy fats. Calcium and phosphorous are important for your teeth by keeping your enamel strong. Yogurt and hard cheeses are good sources of calcium, while pumpkin seeds, eggs, and tofu are a few examples of food rich in phosphorous. Fibrous foods full of water, such as celery and apples, are good for keeping your teeth clean and clear of danger.

Be Mindful of Sugar

Harmful bacteria in your mouth feeds on sugar, therefore, the more of it you are eating or drinking,  the more prone you will be to developing cavities, and even gum disease. To avoid dental problems, it is best to limit your sugar consumption. This means keeping sweets as an occasional treat, rather than a daily part of your diet. Sweetened beverages, like sodas, sweetened teas and coffees, shakes and even some fruit juices and smoothies, are sneaky ways that sugar stays in your diet.

Being mindful of your nutrition can protect your smile

Healthy nutrition can lead to a healthy smile. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dentist Associates in Mansfield, TX, call (817) 473-6227. We treat patients from the Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian areas.