When it comes to having healthy teeth and gums we’ve all heard the importance of brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist. Your diet plays an enormous role in your oral health as well. Through chewing and swallowing your mouth is the first stop in the digestive process, breaking food down and absorbing key nutrients. An unhealthy diet can lead to major issues for your oral health and can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
A big culprit for increased plaque is sugar, which also has a direct connection to tooth decay. Today sugary beverages are a staple in American society, from soda to energy drinks to juice. The sugar in these beverages become acidic when mixed with the bacteria in your mouth, which can cause cavities, erosion, and gum disease. Just one 12 oz. can of Coke ( 9.75 tsp of sugar) can put you close to the USDA’s recommended daily limit.*
Eliminating or reducing sugary beverages will reduce your chances of gum disease and can help improve your oral health.* Water, sparkling water, milk and unsweetened tea are all healthy alternatives. Berries are also a great alternative and have natural sugars plus fiber and other nutrients that are important for a balanced diet.
Here are some other great foods to consider to promote healthy gums and teeth:
Calcium
Help strengthen your teeth’s enamel by eating foods high in calcium, like leafy greens. They also contain folic acid, a type of B vitamin that has numerous health benefits. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are also great sources of calcium.
Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like celery, carrots, and apples, are excellent at scraping away stuck on food and plaque from your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber which means they take longer for you to chew, generating more saliva. Saliva is great for flushing the mouth of bacteria near the gum line, helping prevent gum disease.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps support healthy gums. Vegetables like peppers and acidic fruits like oranges, kiwis, pineapple, and strawberries have a lot of Vitamin C and are also anti-inflammatory.
Fort Bend Periodontics
At Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology, Dr. Bret Dyer and our team are ready to help you restore your smile to full health, function, and beauty.
Ready to schedule your appointment at our Sugar Land dentist’s office? Call today or submit our online contact form. We look forward to caring for your smile!
Fort Bend Periodontist & Implantology proudly serves Sugar Land, Katy, Rosenburg, Pearland, and Houston.
- Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/sugary-drinks?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhnutritionrotator&utm_content=sugary-drinks
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/283136-how-many-teaspoons-of-sugar-are-there-in-a-can-of-coke/
