March is National Nutrition Month, and while you may be tempted to reach for a bag of chips instead of that bright, yellow banana, you might want to think twice. While it may seem harmless to eat a small bag of your favorite Cheetos, you will be surprised to know how all that starch, carbs, and don’t forget all that orange coloring, can affect your oral health. To learn more about how your food choices and oral health are connected, a dentist in New Braunfels explains.
The Link Between the Two
Although juicy takeout burgers will satisfy your hunger quicker, it isn’t the right choice for protecting your overall health. Too much sugar, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium are linked to serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. In addition to the harm they cause to your overall well-being, you should also think about how they affect your teeth and gums.
Foods that lack healthy nutrients can cause you to develop cavities and gum disease. Starchy, sugary food items can have plaque building around the gum line and attacking the enamel on your teeth in no time. Once the enamel wears away, holes can develop, and you now have a cavity. Or, you may develop red, puffy, irritated gums that can bleed when brushing and flossing. If this happens, you probably have gum disease. Both will require an immediate visit to your New Braunfels dentist.
Choosing the Right Foods
If you want to keep your overall health on track, and if you like the idea of living a long and healthy life, it’s best that you start making the right choices when it comes to what you eat and drink. It’s important to follow the recommended nutritional guidelines for your individual needs. Your age, gender, activity level, and overall health can determine the number of calories you should consume. Also, make sure the foods you’re eating are part of a well-balanced diet. If you want to know which foods are better for your diet, here are a few items to consider:
- Water
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean protein
- Low-fat and fat-free dairy
It’s also important to know which foods you should avoid as much as possible. Remember, a special treat is fine on occasion, just don’t make these a part of your normal diet.
- Citrus (acidic foods or drinks)
- Dried fruit or other sticky foods
- Chips and candy
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Sports drinks
While it may take some time to get used to the new diet, your body and mouth will thank you. Making good food choices are crucial to maintaining good health, but if you’re struggling to incorporate some of the healthy options listed above, try out new recipes to expand to your palate and shrink your waistband!
About the Practice
At Comal Dental, our patients are welcomed in an environment where dental professionals provide excellent, reliable, and high-quality services. Offering a wide range of dental treatments, including everything from general family dentistry to dental implants, you can expect our team of experts to handle all your dental needs with compassion and care. To learn more about us, visit our website or call (830) 625-1515.