IS DAIRY CRUCIAL TO MY CHILD'S ORAL HEALTH?

Since March is the month the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks everyone to pay special attention to what goes into our bodies; let’s talk about dairy and your child’s oral health.

Everyone knows that healthy eating, combined with regular physical activity, plays a vital role in your child’s health and well-being. Dairy foods are naturally nutritious, packed with ten essential nutrients that help your child feel good for life. But did you know that dairy is also great for your child’s dental health? Look for organic and hormone free dairy products. Our team at Alina Bergan D.D.S will tell you that, in addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, dairy products also help fight cavities! Dairy products have a specific role to play in dental health as they contain a unique combination of special anti-decay nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and the protein, casein. Cheese is especially useful, as eating a small piece of cheese after consuming sugary foods or drinks can help protect teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Unsweetened, calcium-fortified dairy alternatives like soy & nut milks, coconut & soy yogurts and soy & nut cheeses also count as part of this food group and can make good healthy alternatives to dairy products.

For more information on foods for oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan, at her convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call 800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.

MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH!

March is the month the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks everyone to pay special attention to what goes into our bodies. The Academy has designated the month of March for focusing the public’s awareness on what they eat.

What Not to Eat

The academy points out that the foods you eat have a direct effect on the health of your teeth and specifically on tooth decay. Bacteria rely on carbohydrates to thrive. That is why Dr. Alina Bergan DDS tells her patients to cut back on both candy and sweets. They consist of simple sugars that feed the bacteria in your mouth and enhance tooth decay.

Watch out for all the hidden sugars as they are in foods you would not think are sweet like ketchup, breads, and pasta sauces. Get in the habit of reading labels on food and looking for products with added sugar. This includes ingredients that end with the suffix “ose.” When it comes to nutrition, these foods offer little value beyond satisfying that sweet tooth.

What You Should Eat

Turn to foods that not only taste good but are good for your teeth too. Dark leafy greens and dairy products, for example, provide the body with nutritional items that support tooth enamel. Foods high in protein feature phosphorus, a nutrient critical to oral health.

You can’t really go wrong by adding color to your diet, either. Fruits and vegetables make for a colorful plate and a healthy meal. So make sure to eat the rainbow of colors when you prepare salads and soups. Use some caution with acidic fruits like oranges or even tomatoes, because the acid can erode tooth enamel. It is better to include these foods in a meal instead of eating them by themselves.

Remember, good nutrition is something you should worry about all year long, not just when celebrating National Nutrition Month. March just serves as a fun reminder that eating right is a proactive step in managing your dental health.

For more information on foods for oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan, at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call 800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.