National Nutrition Month

Even though March, National Nutrition Month for this year, has passed, people can still exercise the healthy habits associated with the month dedicated to nutrition and developing one’s overall well-being. What a person eats is essential, and the mouth, gums, and teeth are essential to the process. If someone’s nutrition starts to suffer, their teeth give it away. Cavities and sudden sensitivity may emerge if they are lacking in various aspects of nutrition. To avoid this, it’s best to try to be aware of what foods you eat, how often you eat them, and what they offer in terms of nutrition.

Deficiencies and Dental Health

Malnutrition makes it harder for your teeth and gums to remain in good health. Lack of protein and other vitamin rich foods can slow down the body’s ability to heal. This can jeopardize the body’s ability to rebuild tooth enamel, which naturally protects teeth. This can affect your overall health by making your teeth and gums more susceptible to disease.

Foods that Harm

Sugary foods offer little nutritional value and can eventually harm teeth. Too much candy and soda can contribute to cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis. Also, too many acidic foods, such as lemons, oranges, or limes, at once can further erode enamel. Even sticky foods like dried fruit can stay on the teeth longer than needed and cause dental damage. Weakened enamel leaves teeth in a vulnerable state, making them more prone to discoloration, chips, and cracks. Also, drinking less alcohol can help you avoid dry mouth and other oral infections.

Foods that Help

Instead of sugary snacks, try to eat healthier foods. Eating more dairy like cheese and yogurt provides vitamin D and creates stronger bones and teeth. Apples, carrots, and celery also work to clean teeth and keep them in great health. These foods can encourage saliva production, washing away any debris in between teeth.

Calcium, protein, and other nutrients can strengthen enamel and further protect your teeth. Stronger enamel can also brighten your teeth, preventing discoloration and giving you a more confident smile. Along with healthier snacks, swap out the sugary juices and sodas for water. Drinking water between meals can help get rid of any debris or food particles that may stick to your teeth and destroy enamel.

Benefits

Overtime, you may soon notice a brighter smile and less sensitivity regarding your teeth and gums. Healthy foods create healthy teeth, and monitoring your diet and nutrition is just a small part of keeping up great oral hygiene.

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