Rocky Hill, CT dentist says good eating helps oral health
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Do you wish to achieve your best smile ? How your mouth looks, feels and functions rests on what you eat and drink. Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski, Rocky Hill, CT dentist, wants his patients to know and to incorporate good nutrition into their daily lives. Your smart diet is an integral part of preventive dental care.
Limit sugar and starches
For years, we’ve known that sugar and complex carbohydrates lead to cavities. Our oral bacteria love the sugar and starch residues left on teeth eating.
These residues form sticky plaque and harden into rock-like tartar; both help bacteria grow. These “germs” secrete acids that eat away at tooth enamel and infect gums. So, young and old develop cavities and gum disease, one of the biggest reasons for tooth loss in the United States and across the globe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Americans eat a lot of sugar. However, kids and adults should limit their sugar intake to 5 to 10 percent of their total calories. That means no more than approximately 3 teaspoons of sugar a day–whatever the source.
Change out bad nutrition for good nutrition
With our diets filled with so many processed foods and sugars, what should we eat for good dental health? Dr. Michalski suggests replacing less nutritious items with good dietary choices–gradually. Small changes pay big dividends to oral and systemic health.
Drink water to keep well-hydrated. Experts recommend 8 glasses, or more, of water daily to boost metabolism, promote good digestion and help you feel full. That’s about ½ gallon of water a day. From a dental standpoint, Dr. Michalski says water cleanses teeth and gums and increases saliva production, Nature’s own tooth cleanser.
Eat high fiber fruits and vegetables, such as celery, apples, and leafy greens. They literally scrape teeth and gums clean and make you chew and exercise the jaw, increasing saliva. Do 2 to 4 servings of fruit and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables. Sounds like a lot? Read package labels. Servings may be smaller than you realize. Also, the US Department of Agriculture recommends 6 to 11 servings of high-grain, high-fiber cereals and breads.
Aim for 2 to 3 servings of dairy daily. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, reduce food acidity and staining, when paired with popular tomato sauces and red wines. Cheese, skim milk, yogurt and other dairy products add bone- and tooth-building calcium to your system.
Low fat meats provide important proteins (amino acids) beneficial to gum tissue. Chicken, turkey, fish and eggs contribute system-wide benefits.
Establish good eating habits. Parents teach kids best by example. This includes healthy nutrition. The sooner children eat well, the better young teeth and gums will be for the long term.
What are your best choices?
In Rocky Hill, CT, talk to Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski. He likes teaching his patients all about oral health and an recommend ways for you eat well and have a long-lasting, trouble-free smile. Contact Dr. Michalsky for the best art and science to serve your dental needs.