{"id":124,"date":"2016-10-25T15:04:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-25T15:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.comaldental.com\/blog\/?p=124"},"modified":"2024-07-30T12:39:29","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T12:39:29","slug":"dentist-seguin-offers-nutrition-tips-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comaldental.com\/blog\/dentist-seguin-offers-nutrition-tips-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentist in New Braunfels Offers Nutrition Tips for Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your lifestyle greatly affects your teeth and gums — for good or for bad. Americans don\u2019t smoke<\/span><\/a> as much as the rest of the world, which is a good thing for our oral (and overall) health. But we do love simple carbs and other things that aren\u2019t so great for our smiles. Is your diet impacting your tooth and gum health without you realizing it? We are what we eat, after all, and the same applies to your mouth. Follow these tips from your dentist<\/span><\/a> in New Braunfels\u00a0to enjoy better oral health for years to come!<\/span><\/p>\n

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#1: Quit Smoking<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you are one of the remaining people who still smoke<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s really time to quit. Tobacco use is a leading cause of tooth loss and gum disease, which has been linked to a number of serious health conditions. Oral cancer is also closely tied to\u00a0smoking and other forms of tobacco use. Talk to your doctor about quitting if you\u2019ve tried and haven\u2019t been successful. For the good of your oral and overall health, kick the habit as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

#2: Eat a Balanced, Nutritious Diet<\/span><\/h3>\n

You know what you eat greatly affects how you feel from day to day, but have you considered that the nutrients you are (or aren\u2019t) receiving through your food greatly affect your oral health, too? Eating a diet that\u2019s full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy will ensure that you\u2019re receiving all the nutrients you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Dark, leafy greens and calcium-rich nuts and dairy items are all especially good for the mouth. <\/span><\/p>\n

#3: Stick to Whole Grains<\/span><\/h3>\n

Refined grains are the ones that have been modified to taste better or to last longer on the shelf. Think white bread, pasta, and many breakfast cereals. It shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise that these modifications strip away nutrition. And when consumed, refined grains affect the delicate pH balance of the saliva, too. The next time you\u2019re at the grocery store, make sure you choose the pasta, bread, and other items that say \u201cwhole\u201d grain. That means you (and your mouth) will benefit from every part of the complex grain. <\/span><\/p>\n

#4: Remember to Hydrate<\/span><\/h3>\n

A healthy mouth is one that stays well hydrated with pure, clean H2O. When you drink water throughout the day, your mouth is able to produce plenty of saliva, which washes away food particles and bacteria — naturally. Toss a reusable water bottle in your bag to remind yourself to drink throughout the day. <\/span><\/p>\n

(Extra tip: It\u2019s not only water that keeps your mouth a saliva-producing machine. Pop a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth after and between meals to make sure your oral tissues stay hydrated and healthy.)<\/span><\/p>\n

#5: And Visit the Dentist!<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ok, this one isn\u2019t really a nutrition tip, but it\u2019s equally important for continued oral health. Make sure you visit your dentist every six months for a preventive checkup and cleaning. These regular appointments keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean, and allow us to catch problems early, while they\u2019re easiest to correct. When was your last trip to Comal Dental? If it\u2019s been longer than six months, request an appointment<\/span><\/a> today.<\/span><\/p>\n