Your teeth are part of your health

Did you know that what you eat affects your teeth?  Not just in terms of what your food leaves on your teeth, but what you eat can help with the mineralization of your teeth. In other words: what you eat can change how susceptible your teeth are to getting cavities in the first place, if not heal some level of cavities (called “remineralization”).

Thankfully, what you should be eating to maintain and encourage good gum and tooth health are things you’ve already heard you should be eating: essential fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, a good Omega-3 supplement), B-vitamins, plus vitamins C, D and E.  A good multivitamin will help with the “letter vitamins”.  Phosphorus is a nutrient that you don’t hear often, but is needed to fortify your teeth.  It can be found in seafood, lamb, pork and beans.

Going higher on proteins and fats, and reducing carbohydrate count is helpful to both teeth and blood sugar levels.  Even vegetables have carbohydrates, but you’ll find approximately 46 grams of carbohydrates in a slice of commercially prepared whole wheat bread versus 2 grams in a peeled cucumber and 5 grams in a peeled carrot.

Then there are the things that your dentist tells you that you just don’t really give enough attention to.  Brush at least once (preferably twice) each day–but if only once, then make it before bed.  Drink lots of water (which helps “wash” the teeth during the day).  FLOSS!  For the love of GOD, please floss.  Even if only before you brush your teeth to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth in the areas where bacteria hide instead of brushing things that harbor bacteria that may be too lodged to come out with brushing.  Steer clear of hard candies, dried or sticky fruit, high sugar beverages and even sugar-free beverages and gum (which still contain a high level of carbohydrates and those are problematic for healthy teeth and gums).

It’s always good to see your dentist for a good, thorough cleaning as often as your insurance covers it–but at least once each year; and have them find problems before they become too far gone to intervene with minimal invasion.

If you need more than this, let’s talk.  I can help you find your way through the information available to help keep your mouth in great shape!