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Did you know that good nutrition and a well-balanced diet is one of the best defenses for your oral health? By providing your body with proper vitamins and minerals, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Additionally, a proper diet can help aid in keeping your immune system strong, allowing it to ward off infection, decay and disease. Harmful acids and bacteria in your mouth are left behind when you eat food that is high in sugar and carbohydrates, which include carbonated beverages, some fruit juices, and many kinds of starch foods including pasta, bread and cereal. Protect your mouth and your child's mouth with proper nutrition through a properly planned diet. Combined with diligent brushing and flossing, you'll help keep your smile bright for a lifetime. Your Child's Nutrition Good eating habits should begin at an early age. Those who begin proper eating early can ensure a lifetime of good oral health. Children should eat foods that are rich in calcium and other minerals, as well as a healthy balance of essential food groups, including vegetables, fruits, dairy, poultry and meat. Fluoride supplements may also be helpful if you live in a community without fluoridated water. Before taking fluoride supplements, however, contact your dentist in Islip. Additionally, be aware that sugars are often found in some condiments, as well as fruits and even milk. Be on the lookout for what is in the food that your child is eating in order to provide them with a proper diet, rich in nutrients. If you allow your child to eat excessive amounts of junk food, such as potato chips, cookies, crackers, soda, fruit rollups and granola bars, this places them at risk for serious problems. The carbonation that is found in soda can erode tooth enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay. Encourage your child early on to use a straw while drinking soda, as this will help reduce the amount of carbonated beverage penetrating their enamel. If possible, have your child drink water instead of soda, as it will protect their teeth from decay and other oral health complications. Constantly be aware of what your child is eating and drinking, because it can directly relate to how bright they smile. Vegetarians: A Balanced Diet Works for Everyone Some adult vegetarians are knowledgeable about nutrition and maintain healthy diets by consuming the nutrients that they need to remain healthy. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, however, an adult eating a vegetarian diet for a prolonged period of time can be at an increased risk for periodontal disease from a lack in vitamin D and calcium. A lack of vitamin D and calcium can cause teeth to soften over time, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Vitamin D is produced by the body with sun exposure, making deficiencies rare, but deficiencies in calcium are more common and can be remedied with a proper diet. Nutritional deficiencies are highest among children and teenagers who become vegetarians without knowing how to maintain proper nutrients. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, vegetarians can get all the nutrients that they need to lead healthy lives. Adding vegetable margarines, soy milk, nutritional yeast and extra servings of green leafy vegetables to a diet will lessen the risk of vitamin deficiencies, creating a healthier diet. A healthy diet and good oral health go hand-in-hand and are the best defenses against problems with your gums and teeth. Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes will help vegetarians, or anyone in general, achieve a healthy well-rounded diet and a healthy smile. Contact your dentist in Islip for more information about maintaining a healthy smile with a healthy diet.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Joseph Morris, an experienced cosmetic dentist in Islip. Dr. Morris and his experienced staff offer a full array of general and cosmetic dental services including Islip Invisalign, veneers, teeth whitening and implants, and are committed to delivering the highest quality of care to every patient they serve.
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