Which Nutritional Foods Are Best for Your Oral Health?

You know that eating healthy is the best way to keep your waistline from growing and your heart from deteriorating, right? Did you also know it is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong? Since March is National Nutrition Month in North Sarasota, let your local dentist discuss why it’s best to choose good food options to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Also, find out which items you should pick to maintain optimal oral health.

What is National Nutrition Month?

March is National Nutrition Month, which means dedicating yourself to watching your diet and thinking about the foods you choose to consume. While it would be nice to think that all you need to do is brush, floss, rinse, and see your dentist for healthy teeth, the reality is that you also need to incorporate a well-balanced diet into your daily life.

Throughout the month, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier, such as:

• Create a grocery list of healthy foods to buy when at the store and don’t forget to read the nutrition labels
• Be mindful of which foods you choose to eat when dining out
• Plan out your meals for the week, as this will keep you from having to make a last-minute decision that can end up with fast food or other unhealthy options
• Prepare lunches for school and work ahead of time, lessening the “rush” of throwing something in a bag or buying from the vending machine
• Drink plenty of water
• Watch how much you consume by practicing portion control
• If it’s packed with sugar, don’t buy it. Keep only healthy ingredients on hand at home

What Foods Are Best for Healthy Teeth and Gums?

You might be wondering, “All the information above is great, but how does it help my oral health in North Sarasota?” Here’s how:

By making sure you and your family are eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet, you will be consuming items from various food groups, including fruits, vegetables, leafy green, dairy, lean proteins, and whole grains. Ensuring all of these are incorporated into your daily diet will not only benefit your heart, brain, and body, but it will also have you seeing a healthier smile for longer.

When considering how the foods you eat impact your teeth and gums, let’s take a look:

• Foods with Calcium: You might immediately think about milk and cheese, but those aren’t the only items rich in calcium. Salmon, almonds, tofu, and even dark leafy vegetables can serve to strengthen your tooth enamel and your bones!
• Foods with Phosphorus: Everything from eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, and nuts can help to build strong teeth.
• Foods with Vitamin C: If you want to avoid possible gum disease, why not try citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes, and spinach!

Remember, it is best to eat three meals a day and minimize your snacking. It’s too easy to grab something unhealthy to snack on throughout the day. If you do grab something to hold you over until lunch or dinner, try to brush after snacking to reduce the likeliness of tooth decay or gum disease developing.

By making healthy choices, you will not only notice a significant improvement in the health of your body and brain, but you will also see it in your smile.

About the Author
Dr. Warren Hoffman attended dental school in Baltimore, Maryland and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He then went on to complete an externship during his senior year, providing dental services to stationed members of the United States Coast Guard in Honolulu, Hawaii. At Parkway Ridge Dental, he and his team of dental professionals want you to have a beautiful, healthy smile, which is why they encourage all patients to receive preventive care. From regular checkups and cleanings to patient education, Dr. Hoffman can ensure your smile and overall oral health are in optimal condition for a lifetime. To learn more, contact us at (941) 358-8830.