National Nutrition Month & Your Oral Health

In observance of National Nutrition Month we wanted to share the connection between your diet and your dental health.  A poor diet not only affects how you feel, but poor nutrition affects your entire immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders.  According to the Academy of General Dentistry, studies show that people with a lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease.

Furthermore, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  So eating a variety of foods as part of a well-balanced diet may not only improve your dental health, but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may also reduce the risk of other diseases.

Simple Tips to Plan Meals and Snacks to Promote Better Health and Better Oral Health

Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety.  Choose foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat, chicken, fish or beans.   Also, avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Foods to avoid when snacking are foods that cling to your teeth.  These foods promote tooth decay.  For example,

• cakes
• candy
• dried fruits

Healthy snack alternatives include:

• nuts
• raw vegetables
• plain yogurt

In addition when eating carboydrates, such as crackers, don't eat them as a snack alone, but as part of your meal. By combining certain foods they will neautralize the acids in your moth thus inhibiting tooth decay.

Remember, by making healthy choices now, not only will you feel better, but your beautiful smile will last a lifetime.  If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Dan Gustavson, DDS & Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team