Feeding Your Family a Mouth-Healthy Diet

Practicing good oral hygiene will help you avoid dental problems for a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, and making regular visits to Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., can prevent gum disease and tooth decay. However, good hygiene practices are not enough if you don’t eat a mouth-healthy diet. The foods and beverages you consume greatly impact the health of your teeth and gums. To keep your smile strong, keep these diet suggestions in mind:

Focus on Fresh Produce

Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., stresses the importance of eating fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are beneficial for healthy teeth and gums. Many fruits and vegetables are fibrous, which helps with the natural cleaning of oral contaminants. Vegetables typically have low sugar content as well, which limits the ability of bacteria to create plaque. In addition, produce is dense in nutrients, and can provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals that fortify tooth and gum health.

Include Calcium-Rich Products

The bone that supports your teeth is made largely of calcium. This substance helps teeth retain a strong and rigid structure, which is necessary for chewing and eating. Consuming plenty of calcium-rich products—including dark green leafy vegetables, low fat milk, soy milk, yogurt, and cheese—can provide ample amounts of calcium to support your oral health.

Restrict Sweet Beverages

Many people know that residual food particles can get stuck between teeth, hastening the development of plaque and gum disease. As a result, they might wash down their meals with a large cup of cola, fruit juice, or sweetened tea in the hopes of dislodging food remnants and lowering the risk of cavities. Unfortunately, sugary beverages only heighten the danger of tooth decay. If you normally drink soda, juice, or other sugar-laden drinks, they could be the reason for your dental issues. Sodas and sugary drinks can increase tooth decay. To ensure the best oral health, make water your beverage of choice. This single change to your diet could dramatically reduce tooth decay and improve your general wellbeing. Start adding fruits and vegetables to your family’s diet to help your family oral and over all health.  

For more information about how food affects your oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., please give us a call at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! Call today 800-223-0801.