Are you worried about your smile? Concerned about developing cavities or other dental problems? If so, you may have already taken steps to improve your dental hygiene routine, like brushing and flossing daily. But did you know that what you eat could also impact your oral health, either positively or negatively? If you want to keep your smile healthy, a nutritious diet can help!
Watch Out for Unexpected Sugars!
One important way to protect the smile is to limit how much sugar you are consuming on a regular basis. Sugar is what the bacteria in the mouth feed upon, so the more of it you eat or drink regularly the more likely you are to develop cavities and other dental problems.
Fresh fruits and veggies are great options, because they are filled with vitamins and minerals, and also because they are high in water content, which is essential to oral health. Lean proteins and healthy fats are also good choices. Just avoid items with high sugar content, if you want to prevent dental issues.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential to oral health for a number of reasons, including that it can help to gently rinse the teeth clean in between brushings. Of course, one of the most obvious benefits of drinking water throughout the day is that it is essential to keeping the whole body properly hydrated. Since many drinks are particularly high in sugar, reaching for water as often as possible is a great alternative.
It’s not only free of sugar, but it also helps protect the smile by helping to produce saliva, a natural defense against plaque buildup.
Don’t Skip Dental Visits
Just keep in mind, no matter how healthy your habits may be, you still need to see the dentist regularly for key preventive care. Regular checkups and cleanings help to protect the smile.
Need to Schedule a Checkup and Cleaning?
Dental checkups and cleanings are important to keeping the smile healthy and cavity-free. You can schedule your next preventive appointment, today, with Dr. Okoniewski at Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI, by calling (248) 852-1820.
