A nutritional diet can contribute to a leaner body and an overall healthier you. But consuming healthy foods isn't only essential for good physical health. In fact, the foods you consume daily play a critical role in the development and maintenance of your teeth and gums. Simply improving your diet can prevent two of the most common oral diseases: tooth decay and periodontal disease. Combined with regular dental care and routine visits to your Grosse Pointe dentist, you can help ensure your body, teeth and gums are healthy for a lifetime. Healthy Diet for Healthy Teeth As bacteria accumulate in your mouth, the sugar and starches from non-nutritious foods and drinks are converted to acid. In turn, the acid begins to attack the enamel on your teeth, and over time this causes decay. Encompassing nutritional foods into your daily diet may sound easy, but many types of bread, pasta, cereal and fruit juice contain sugars and starches that lead to the build-up of plaque. This doesn't mean you have to avoid these foods all together, however. Just be mindful of how frequently you consume these foods and limit your portions. Healthy food choices include firm fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, nuts, milk and water that stimulate the flow of saliva and help protect tooth enamel from decay; while foods to avoid include those high in added sugars, which include candy, soft drinks and cookies. Your dentist can help you determine the most suitable nutrition plan for your body's needs. Nutritional Deficiencies Just as you should be mindful of the foods you are consuming, if your body isn't receiving certain nutrients, it can be more difficult for the oral tissues in your mouth to resist infection. This can lead to gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, and people with weak immune systems have been shown to be at a higher risk for gum disease. Fluoride Eating healthy is equally important during the childhood years. In fact, fluoride intake from birth has been shown to reduce tooth decay by over 50 percent. When fluoride is incorporated into the tooth structure during development, it helps prevent plaque from forming by promoting stronger enamel and helping build resistance against cavities. For adults, the fluoride in most public drinking water is generally sufficient. But many types of toothpastes contain fluoride, and you can also receive a professional fluoride treatment from your Grosse Pointe cosmetic dentist. In order to combat infections, such as gum disease, our bodies need adequate amounts of nutrients. Limit your intake of sugary, sticky foods, and incorporate fruits, vegetables and water into your daily diet. A healthy, well-balanced diet combined with good oral hygiene and routine visits to your Grosse Pointe dentist can help you achieve beautiful, healthy teeth and an overall healthier mind, body and smile.
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