Nutrition for Your Smile

Just like your body and overall health, good nutrition and a well-balanced diet is one of the best ways to protect your oral health. By consuming the right amount of vitamins and minerals, your teeth and gums stay strong – as does your immune system, preventing the onset of infections, gum disease and even tooth decay.

In addition to making sure your diet is rich in healthy vitamins and minerals it is equally as important to avoid foods that can cause excessive damage to your smile including those foods that are high in acids and carbs or sugars.  These include carbonated beverages, some fruit juices, and many starchy foods like pasta, bread and cereal.  While you’re not expected to completely eliminate pasta, bread and cereal from your diet – it is important to take steps to clean your teeth after consuming these foods.

If you are a parent, it is important to teach your child these helpful habits early on.  Good eating habits that begin in early childhood can go a long way to ensuring a lifetime of good oral health.  Children should eat foods rich in calcium and other kinds of minerals, as well as a healthy balance of the essential food groups like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, poultry and meat.  This balanced and healthy diet should be continued throughout adulthood in order to maintain a lifetime of good overall and oral health.

For more information on steps you can take to protect your dental health, contact College Park Dental for advice and consultation today.