When Diet and Dental Health Meet: How Your Diet and Smile Interact

When Diet and Dental Health Meet: How Your Diet and Smile Interact

When Diet and Dental Health Meet: How Your Diet and Smile Interact

They say ?you are what you eat? and we at Krengel Dental say it’s true. Your dental health is interconnected to all other areas of your health, operating in tandem with the rest of your body. Getting proper nutrients in your diet is just as important in protecting your teeth from decay or gum disease as it is for your internal organs. Choosing the right foods also means decreasing your chances for bacteria growing in your mouth and leading to further dental decay. Here are some tooth-friendly foods along with some tooth-hesitant foods to be aware of when maintaining a healthy diet.

The tooth-friendly foods:

Eating for your smile, means eating for your body, so it may not be a surprise that a variety from the major food groups are included. Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy are full of nutrients and vitamins necessary to keep your smile shiny and healthy. Make sure to incorporate these foods into each meal, as they can balance acidity levels in your mouth which will neutralize the bacteria. Drinking plenty of water is another way to ensure that saliva production is high, preventing bacteria from reaching your oral tissue, keeping your mouth clean.

The tooth-hesitant foods:

Our Krengel Dental family believes in a wholesome, healthy diet that includes the foods you love. However, eating or drinking an excessive amount of sugar, candy, soda, tea, wine and coffee can really leave a mark (and we mean it literally.) Sugary foods that stick to your teeth increase the amount of bacteria that sticks, eventually building plaque and leading to cavities and decay. Satiate your sweet tooth, but try to limit the artificial sugar and go for  something wholesome. We recommend getting creative with dates, avocado, fruit, peanut butter and even chickpeas!

In need of a healthy dental-friendly dessert or have an idea to share? Your Krengel Dental team is here to give you personalized advice and we are always looking to learn from you. Go ahead, give us a call (952-888-1311)  and do something friendly for your smile.