Your diet plays a crucial role in your overall health, including your oral health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. As a trusted Sonora dentist, Dr. Justin Liggett at Morning Star Dentistry wants to help you understand the connection between diet and oral health and provide tips on how to maintain a healthy diet to promote good oral hygiene.
Foods to Avoid
The foods and drinks you consume can have a significant impact on your oral health. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can cause tooth decay and erosion, while foods high in starch can contribute to plaque buildup. To maintain good oral health, try to avoid or limit your intake of:
- Sugary snacks and drinks, such as candy, soda, and sports drinks
- Acidic drinks, such as citrus juices and coffee
- Starchy foods, such as white bread, pasta, and potato chips
Foods to Eat
To promote good oral health, try to incorporate the following foods into your diet:
- Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, which contain calcium and help strengthen teeth
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, which help scrub away plaque and promote saliva production
- Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and nuts, which provide nutrients that help keep gums healthy
Additional Tips
In addition to watching what you eat, there are other steps you can take to maintain good oral health:
- Drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and promote saliva production
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth
- Schedule regular check-ups with your Sonora dentist to catch any potential oral health issues early
At Morning Star Dentistry in Sonora, CA, Dr. Justin Liggett and his team are committed to helping patients achieve and maintain good oral health. By understanding the connection between diet and oral health and following these tips, you can promote healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.
