Diet is an essential aspect of good oral health; when the body converts food into energy, the food you eat impacts more than your weight. For instance, if you plan on grabbing a snack during your Granbury commute, it can be troublesome to think about what foods you’re eating if you’re more worried about your ability to get to work on time or get back home to your family. What you eat has a direct effect on your oral health just as much as your overall health. The health of your teeth can also indicate your overall health in numerous ways and can be warning signs of long-term health problems. Dr. Karl and her team at St. Clair Dental recommend eating habits because it can lead to a life free of tooth decay and gum disease.
Did you know…Eating a sugary snack in the afternoon can be more dangerous than eating a sugary dessert after dinner? Snacking on sugar-filled treats between meals, according to the ADA, can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay later on in life. This risk is because the sugar molecules contain within that snack can latch onto and cling to teeth throughout the day, causing the development of plaque and debris to form along with the enamel of the tooth. During those long periods, the plaque can infiltrate the enamel, and over time, wear it down to the dentin and pulp, causing tooth decay. For healthier snack options, we recommend foods high in fiber, such as celery, apples, and carrots, to help remove plaque buildup throughout the day. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my eating habits to improve my oral health?
As dentists who come into contact with patients daily, we always recommend changing diets to improve oral health. If you are planning on improving diet completely, then we recommend talking to either a physician or nutritionist to help aid you in your diet changes. Our job is to care for patient’s teeth, and so we recommend foods that we understand will be the most beneficial to your health overall.
What kinds of changes will Dr. Karl recommend?
We follow guidelines of the ADA, or the American Dental Association when it comes to dietary changes. We will suggest that you drink plenty of water, avoid sugary snacks, and replace those snacks with fruits, vegetables, and nuts to help you gain the nutrition you need to keep your teeth healthy. Luckily enough, many of those foods will also benefit your overall health.
What other habits should I adopt to improve my oral health?
Floss daily and brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush. You should also visit us at St. Clair Dental for your regular oral exam and dental cleaning!