March is the month that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks everyone to pay special attention to what goes into our bodies. The Academy has designated the month of March for focusing the public's awareness on what they eat.The foods that you eat have a direct effect on the health of your teeth and specifically on tooth decay. Bacteria rely on carbohydrates to thrive. Although cutting back on both candy and sweets, which consist of simple sugars that feed the bacteria in your mouth and enhance tooth decay, is important, it's the hidden sugars that can cost you. One of the best ways to identify the hidden sugars is to make a habit of reading labels on food and looking for products with added sugar. This includes any ingredients that end with the suffix "ose." When it comes to nutrition, these foods offer little value beyond satisfying that sweet tooth.
Turning to foods that not only taste good but are good for your teeth, like dairy products, provide the body with nutritional items that support tooth enamel. Foods that are high in protein feature phosphorus, a nutrient that is also critical to oral health.
Although you really can't go wrong by adding color to your diet like fruits and vegetables to increase the overall nutritional value of your diet, use some caution with acidic fruits like oranges or even tomatoes, because the acid can erode tooth enamel. It is better to include these foods in a meal instead of eating them by themselves.
Finally, good nutrition is something to consider all year long, not just when celebrating National Nutrition Month! March just serves as a reminder that eating right is a proactive step in managing your dental health. If you have any other questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!
God Bless,
DRT
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