Nutrition Tips For Dental Health From Your Family Dentist in Valparaiso

We hear about eating a balanced diet with more fresh fruits and vegetables from our primary care doctors all the time. Did you know that your nutrition also affects your oral health? It’s true! Your trusted team at Smiles of Valparaiso & Associates offers nutrition tips for dental health from your family dentist in Valparaiso.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Eating fruits and veggies is not only good for your body; it’s also good for your oral health! This is because fruits and vegetables actually neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause cavities. They also increase saliva flow, which helps to wash away the food debris and plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Avoid Sugary Foods and Beverages

This tip seems obvious also, however some people aren’t aware of how sugar really affects your teeth. Did you know that it’s not the sugar itself that causes cavities? Sugar is the fuel that feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which produces the acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. When you avoid or limit your sugar intake, the bacteria can’t produce harmful acids in your mouth.

Avoid Acidic Beverages

Beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine can be just as harmful to your teeth as sugary sodas and sports drinks. This is because they’re high in acid content. Remember – acid is what’s causing the damage to your teeth, so you want to limit foods and drinks that are high in acid content to prevent enamel breakdown. Brushing right after you eat or drink these culprits is also helpful. Some foods that are high in acid are tomato or marinara sauce, curries, and soy sauce.

At Smiles of Valparaiso & Associates, our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile and optimum oral health for a lifetime. We believe that patient education and prevention are the keys to doing this. We also know that you are our strongest partner and optimum oral health begins at home. This is why we spend time educating our patients about how things like nutrition and proper brushing techniques affect your oral health.

We encourage all of our patients to visit us every six months for cleanings and checkups to ensure that we detect any issues such as oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay in their earliest stages. This ensures that you are able to manage your condition with the least costly and invasive treatments. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.