You are what you eat, or so the old saying goes. It should come as no surprise, then, that good nutrition can make a major difference when it comes to your dental health. Eating right today could mean avoiding tooth loss and dentures during your golden years. That’s why our Richmond and Missouri City, TX dentists stress the importance of preventative care. In many ways, a good diet is an essential component of preventative care.
The team at Fort Bend Dental would like to consider why your diet matters. We’ll mention some foods and beverages you should generally avoid and note some that you should make part of your diet.
Why Your Diet Matters
Certain foods can increase your risk of tooth decay, dental erosion, and gum disease. These are all leading cause of tooth damage as well as tooth loss. While regular brushing and flossing can help prevent these problems, eating right is a sure way to further reduce your risk of dental problems.
Foods That You Should Avoid and Why
Here are a few foods that we tell patients to avoid.
- Sugary Snacks/Junk Food – Whether it’s excess sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, sugary foods are going to increase the chances of cavities. Be sure to limit your intake of candies, sweets, and other sugary treats.
- Heavily Process Foods – Processed foods tend to have a lot of added sugar and salt. This isn’t just bad for your dental health but can have a negative impact on your general wellness as well.
- Sodas and Carbonated Beverages – Sodas not only contain a lot of harmful sweeteners, they can also increase the risk of acidic dental erosion, which can wear away tooth enamel over time.
- Sweetened Juices and Sports Drinks – Sports drinks and fruit juices may seem “healthy,” but they often contain harmful sweeteners that make tooth decay more likely.
Some Foods You Should Add to Your Diet
Some foods that you should consider adding to your diet for good dental health include:
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Fresh fruits and vegetables are great for your overall well being. Some some fruit may be sweet, but they’re not excessively sugary in the way junk food or processed foods are.
- Healthy Proteins – Fish, chicken, beans, legumes, seeds, and soy are all great sources of protein. They’re energy for the day and also packed with essential nutrients for proper function of your body.
- Foods Rich in Calcium – Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones. If yogurt and dairy are not options for you, there are many calcium-fortified dairy alternatives to choose from, such as soy and oat milk. You can also get a lot of calcium from leafy greens, almonds, sardines, and figs.
- Water – Water is the ideal option for hydration. When you’re feeling thirsty, have a glass of water instead of soda or juice.
Speak with Skilled Dentists
For more information about keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Fort Bend Dental can be reached in Richmond at (281) 336-9971 and in Missouri City at (281) 336-9899.
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