|
Good nutrition and a well-balanced diet are one of the best defenses not only for your general health, but your oral health as well. When and how often you consume certain foods and beverages affects your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. The number of individuals that consume sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks and snacks that contain little, if any, nutritional value is increasing significantly among the general population. Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens are important factors in how fast tooth decay develops. Proper nutrition, a well-balanced diet and cleaning your teeth properly all play essential roles in optimal dental health. Foods and Beverages Contribute to Poor Oral Health The frequency in which you eat and how long foods stay in the mouth increases the risk of dental damage and decay. Some foods are more likely to cause oral health problems than others. Therefore, it is important to practice moderation if and when you consume the following: * Carbohydrates. Chips, bread, pasta, crackers and others can be as harsh on your teeth as candy.
* Chewy, sticky foods. Raisins, granola bars, jellybeans, caramel, honey and syrup can stick to teeth, which makes it harder for saliva to wash away their sugar.
* Sugary snacks. Cookies, cake and other sweet treats contain a high amount of cavity-causing sugar.
* Candy and gum. Eating candy and chewing sugar sweetened gum are harmful to your teeth.
* Carbonated soft drinks. Regular soda, or pop, contains a high amount of sugar.
* Fruit and vegetable juices. These tend to be high in sugar and can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay. Necessary Nutrients and Minerals to Avoid Deficiencies Nutrition affects your teeth during development and poor nutrition can increase your chances of periodontal disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults as well as other oral diseases. Getting the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals, fats and protein is essential for the growth and regeneration of normal tissues, as well as your body's ability to fight infections. Some important minerals and nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy include: * Calcium
* Iron
* Vitamin B3 (niacin)
* Vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin)
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin D Your Child and Their Nutrition Good eating habits should begin early in childhood. Establishing proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet while your child is young can go a long way to ensuring 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 the essential food groups such as vegetables, fruits, dairy products, poultry and meat. Allowing your child to eat excessive amounts of junk food, such as potato chips, cookies, crackers, soda, artificial fruit rollups and granola bars, place them at risk for oral health problems later on. The carbonation that is found in soda can erode tooth enamel. If your child is to drink soda, encourage them to use a straw as this will keep at least some of the carbonated beverage away from the teeth. Good oral hygiene helps ensure that harmful bacteria and plaque are effectively minimized. Talk to your dentist in West Orange today for more information on how nutrition can help keep you smiling for longer.
Dr. Paul R. Feldman is a cosmetic dentist offering teeth whitening in West Orange. Named one of Americas Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council of America from 2005-2009, this leading dentist in West Orange is highly qualified and committed to providing the best general and cosmetic dental care for every patient he serves.
|
