Nutrition Plays an Important Role in Your Dental Health
Nourish your smile by giving your body a healthy foundation
Regular brushing and flossing remain the cornerstones of good oral health, but did you know the things we eat and drink are at least as important as our daily hygiene routines? It’s true. Good nutrition promotes good oral health in the course of supporting the body’s natural healing abilities. Dr. Craig Janssen and the team at Janssen Dental Clinic integrate nutritional guidance into our biological approach to dentistry.
Nutrition is vitally important to our dental health because it is how we get the essential vitamins and minerals we need for strong teeth, healthy gums, and overall physical well-being. The connection between oral health and the rest of our body is well-documented; now let’s look into some practical tips you can use to leverage good nutrition in your oral health journey.
How to promote dental health through good nutrition
Dr. Craig’s biological dentistry philosophy emphasizes consuming biocompatible elements that support the body’s natural healing and strengthening processes. Fortunately, good nutrition isn’t rocket science, but most of us benefit from expert guidance to keep us on track.
Stay hydrated – The simple act of drinking water and swishing it around in your mouth helps rinse away some of the food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.
Eat a balanced diet – This one might seem obvious, but it merits highlighting. Consuming a mix of whole, unprocessed foods, lean proteins and healthy fats while avoiding sugary foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay does a body good.
Choose smart snacks – Tooth-friendly snacks include cheese, yogurt, raw vegetables and nuts. These options provide nutrients for our body while stimulating saliva that can help keep teeth clean.
Limit sugar and acidic foods – It’s not just foods that fit this category. For many people, soft drinks are the biggest culprits when it comes to high sugar and acid content. Make sure to rinse out your mouth with water afterward, and even chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva can help neutralize those acids.
Consider nutritional supplements – Dr. Craig recommends adding high-quality supplements to your self-care routine to fill any nutritional gaps in your diet. For example, low levels of vitamin D and calcium can put you at risk for tooth decay and gum disease, while omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the gums.
Here are some additional oral health tips to consider
Dr. Craig is a strong believer in a comprehensive approach to oral health, combining the best of modern and biological materials used in procedures with solid nutrition and hygiene practices. The simple fact is everything we put into our bodies impacts our oral health as well as that of the rest of our body. This even holds true with stress, which plays a larger role in oral health than you might realize.
Chronic stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to issues such as unconscious grinding of teeth. This can lead to tooth fractures, wearing down of the enamel on your teeth, and periodontal disease, not to mention the toll it can take on your blood pressure and general happiness.
Try to find healthy ways to manage your stress. Exercise – even going for a walk is better than nothing – stretching, yoga, or simply sitting quietly to meditate are all strategies that can reduce your stress level. Many people also find it easier to limit emotional eating and consumption of alcohol as they take control of their stress level.
Focusing on nutrition and whole-body wellness will provide your mind and body with the tools to live your healthiest life, complete with optimal oral health that preserves your smile for a lifetime. We look forward to helping you understand nutrition’s role in oral health at your next visit.
About Janssen Dental Clinic in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Janssen Dental Clinic features the dental expertise of Dr. Craig Janssen, a third-generation dentist serving patients in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. Dr. Craig and his staff specialize in oral health as a component of overall well-being, a philosophy of care known as biological dentistry. They have expertise in reducing the fear and anxiety that people of all ages feel over going to the dentist, with services ranging from routine cleanings to restorative and cosmetic procedures. Call (920) 983-8383 to schedule an appointment. New patients are always welcome.