Keep your smile and your body healthy by focusing on nutrition.

Many people think they just need to workout to keep in shape, but nutrition plays an important part in staying healthy. You can help fuel your body, along with your smile, by staying on top of your nutrition and focusing on eating healthy all year long.

Start focusing on your smile early.

It is never too early to start thinking about nutrition and how it affects your body. You should start to focus on your smile and teeth when your children are very little. While your child is still an infant, make sure you are using a soft, damp cloth to wipe down their gums. Once your child has their first tooth, or right around their first birthday, Compass Dental Group recommends you schedule your child’s first dental appointment. That may seem too early, but dentists recommend bringing your child in early so that they can get used to the sights and sounds of the dental office, and the dentist can check how your child’s teeth are coming in.

What foods and drinks should I try to avoid if I’m looking for a healthier smile?

If you want to keep your teeth healthy throughout your life, you should focus on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as avoiding certain foods and drinks because they can cause damage to your teeth.

Many dentists recommend avoiding sugars and carbohydrates in excess because they stay in the mouth for extended periods. Carbohydrates break down into sugar, and sugar particles can cause plaque, a hard, sticky substance that adheres to your teeth. Plaque can eventually cause tooth decay and cavities if left alone long enough. That is why dentists recommend their patients avoid beverages high in sugar, like soda, energy drinks, and even fruit juices, because most people sip these beverages over time, which prolongs the exposure of sugar to your teeth.

Other foods dentists recommend people avoid are things that are super sticky, like caramel and dried fruit, which can stay stuck to your teeth unless you brush them thoroughly right away. Dentists also recommend staying away from hard candies, lollipops, and cough drops, because they dissolve slowly in your mouth and can cause sugar to stay in your mouth for an extended amount of time.

If you are looking to keep your smile white, you’ll want to avoid foods and drinks that contain tannins, which can cause stains on your teeth. Drinks to avoid include coffee, tea, and red wine, while any dark-colored foods, like pasta sauce and beets, should also be avoided.

What are some tooth-friendly foods?

If you are looking for some healthy suggestions for tooth-friendly foods, look for items rich in calcium, like milk and low-fat cheese. Calcium is a mineral that helps to make bones and teeth strong.

Leafy greens, like spinach and kale, are smart choices for your body and mouth because they contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals that help keep your body’s health in check. Leafy greens are also great for your teeth because they require a lot of chewing, which helps to sweep built-up bacteria and plaque from your teeth.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables are also a smart choice to include in your daily diet. Apples and celery are known as nature’s toothbrushes because their fibrous texture acts like a natural toothbrush, sweeping away bacteria and plaque from your teeth before it has a chance to stick and cause any harm.

Stick with water to stay hydrated.

Water is the most important substance you can put into your body, so make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Drinking water during and after meals can help to wash away sugar particles, which can help prevent cavities. Water also helps with the pH balance of your saliva. Your saliva helps keep the good and bad bacteria in check in your mouth, so making sure you are producing enough saliva by drinking water is how you can help keep your mouth healthy and happy.

Remember to brush and floss after eating.

If you are looking to keep your smile in check, the best thing you can do is make sure you brush your teeth properly and floss after every meal. Dentists recommend waiting 20 to 30 minutes after you eat to brush your teeth so that your saliva has a chance to do its job and eliminate some of the bad bacteria in your mouth. Brushing your teeth after meals helps brush away any food particles that may be stuck in between your teeth, which can cause harm if left long enough.

Visit Compass Dental Group twice a year for the best results!

If you work hard on your fitness and nutrition throughout the year, make sure you show it off to the team at Compass Dental Group at least twice a year. Biannual dental evaluations are important to check on your teeth and provide routine preventative care. If you haven’t seen us in a while, schedule your appointment today!