Our Dental Blog

Your overall health is dependent on your food and drink choices, but nutrition also plays a big factor in your oral health. The things that you consume travel past your mouth first, and they can leave a lasting impact. Mindful choices with your nutrition can have a positive effect on your smile. A diet low in nutrients can leave your mouth unhealthy and unable to fend off infection. Gum disease and tooth decay are more likely to occur with a diet full of unhealthy sugars and starches. Balance is the key to good nutrition. Balance gives you a sustainable way to indulge while staying healthy.

Basic Tips

Every choice matters because what you drink will impact your physical and oral health. If you do choose to have a sugary or starchy item, it is better done with a meal instead of a snack. A meal allows for more rinsing saliva production. Avoid buying bad items and bringing temptation into the home. Eat fruits rather than drinking them. Chewing on fruit, such as a fibrous apple can replicate the act of brushing, but fruit juice is loaded with sugar that can stick to the teeth. Straws can help prevent staining from coffee, tea, and dark sodas. Drink plenty of water. Water can help to rinse away harmful acids and bacteria. Fluoridated water can also help strengthen the enamel of your teeth.

After Eating and Drinking

Some healthy habits can help balance out some unhealthy eating and drinking choices. Sugar and starches can lead to bacteria hiding under the gums, which can lead to gum disease or tooth decay. Drinking water along with meals and snacks can help to rinse away some of the bacteria or acid. Brushing or flossing is the best way to remove harmful bacteria. Chewing sugarless gum can help remove the harmful debris, if you are unable to get to a toothbrush or floss.

Healthy Nutrition Can Lead to a Healthy Smile

Talk to us about more tips to keeping your smile healthy. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.