Methuen MA Dentist on Dietary Decisions
Your Methuen MA dentist is frequently asked by patients about what they can do outside of our office walls in order to maintain a great smile. While following some of the steps we discuss in this monthly blog can help you be on your way to better oral health…our frequent readers may notice some trends. It is no surprise that because your mouth is how you ingest food that your diet plays a huge role in maintaining healthy teeth, something we discuss frequently. Well in today’s blog we have provided some information on some dietary decisions you can make to benefit your overall oral health.
No wonder our parents urged us to eat fruits and vegetables as children, they definitely knew the benefit of them to not only oral, but whole mouth health! By choosing fruits such as pineapple, oranges and tomatoes (yes, a fruit) - you are gaining a healthy dose of vitamin C. Without vitamin C, the gums can suffer dramatically and even bleed, which is an early indicator of gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone structure damage and more- and all can be prevented by a slice of fruit or two. Due to high acidic nature, however, make sure to follow these up with water or a brushing so the citric acid does not wear on the enamel.
Vegetables that are harder bodied, that have a real “snap” in them when you take a bite are also essential to health. Carrots and celery are prime examples of foods that are highly fibrous and that can also help produce vitamin A, which helps build stronger teeth. The fact that these are a little stiffer to eat also can improve gum health, as well as help clean the teeth with their water content.
Lastly, though they may not be your first date’s favorite choice for you- onions are a perfect option for improving oral health. When uncooked, they boast their highest levels antibacterial compounds that kill the bacteria in your mouth that often lead to cavities and other issues. Follow that big, raw bite up with some mouthwash and you will be on your way to a better and healthier smile.
By maintaining a healthy diet, full of vegetables, fruits and less sugar and high acidic dietary intake, you can be laying the foundation for oral health that lasts a lifetime. Couple this with regular appointments with your Methuen MA dentist by calling (978) 683-3343 today!
