DENTAL NUTRITION TIPS

Proper nutrition is an important component in any oral health care plan. Explained in the most basic terms, what you eat impacts the health of your teeth and gums, helping to keep them attractive, strong and functioning as intended. Alternately, the health of teeth impacts what a person is able to eat. As children, diet impacts how the teeth grow and develop, and as adults, foods contribute to maintaining a healthy mouth and health smile.

DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR DENTAL HEALTH

To maintain a healthy diet, choose items from the five major food groups in moderate portions throughout the day. These foods contain important nutrients including protein, calcium, and phosphorus for the development and maintenance of the tooth structure. They also contain folate, antioxidants, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and omega-3 fats, among other nutrients, which contribute to healthy connective tissues, mucosal and immune functioning. Many nutritionists suggest filling your plate with natural foods representing every color of the rainbow to increase your chances of receiving the ideal quantities of all these essential nutrients.

Components of a healthy diet according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture include:

6 to 11 servings of grain based carbohydrates
3 to 5 servings of vegetables
2 to 4 servings of fruit
2 to 3 servings of dairy
2 to 3 servings of healthy proteins (lean meats, fish, nuts, legumes)
FOODS TO AVOID

Foods high in carbohydrates, sugar, and starch have been shown to contribute to the production of plaque acids in the mouth. These acids attack tooth enamel and can cause cavities. Consuming any sugar has the potential to increase plaque acids in the mouth, but some foods that contain sugars also contain beneficial ingredients. Milk, fruits, and even some vegetables are good examples. These foods are part of a healthy diet, but an overabundance of sugar is not. Controlling one’s intake of sugar is a good idea, and it involves reading labels, avoiding sugary snacks and sodas and making choices that are low in sugar.

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