Better Diet, Better Teeth: Nutrition Matters if You Want a Healthy Mouth

At one time or another, you’ve probably been told that you are what you eat. While that’s not true in a literal sense – thankfully, since it’s hard to imagine anyone really wanting to be a head of lettuce or a ham sandwich, it is absolutely true that every aspect of human health is directly impacted by the foods we put into our bodies. Not surprisingly, that principle is just as true where our teeth are concerned. In fact, if you want to have better teeth, then you need to ensure that you have a better diet.

The Science behind Nutrition

Make no mistake; the science clearly shows that nutrition has an incredible impact on dental health. Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and even the overall quality of the food we eat has an incredible effect on the strength and health of teeth and gums, the body’s ability to resist oral infections, and the mouth’s ability to essentially clean itself on a regular basis.

Antioxidants Matter

Vitamin C is just one of many great antioxidant sources that offer tremendous benefits for oral and bodily health. Most commonly found in fruit and vegetable food sources, these antioxidants can help to prevent cellular damage and provide the immune system with a boost to ward off infection from bacteria in the mouth and body. If you’re not eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day, chances are your teeth and gums are suffering as a result of that poor dietary decision.

Minerals that Strengthen Teeth and Gums

Calcium. If you thought only women needed more calcium in their diets, think again. Calcium is the premiere mineral for tooth and bone health, and is one of the most crucial weapons in your battle against enamel-destroying acids. It’s also widely available, so there are few excuses for not getting enough. You can get yours from milk, fortified juice and cereal, cheese, and a whole host of other sources.

Getting Quality Foods Consistently

Quality matters more for tooth health than quantity. Concentrate on a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods at every meal. Focus on lean protein, slow-burning carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to get the macronutrients and micronutrients your body needs for optimal health. For an added boost, don’t forget the folic acid benefits you can receive from leafy vegetables – benefits that will help to keep your mouth healthy while reinforcing cellular health as well.

Where snacks are concerned, try to ignore the chips and other fast food options and grab carrots, celery, apples, and other raw foods that will not only get you by until the next meal but help to clean your teeth as well. As an added bonus, those treats can help to keep your breath fresh and inviting too.

At Ebenezer Dental, we understand how important it is that our patients consider all of the different things that contribute to oral health. Sound nutrition and a balanced diet, along with regular visits to the best dentist in Midtown Manhattan, can help to ensure that your teeth and gums remain at optimal health throughout your life. Contact us today to learn more about how you can better manage your own dental health regimen.