Nutritional Counseling for Oral Health It should be no secret that our oral health affects the overall health of our entire body. As a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can improve our nutritional health, so too, can a poor diet contribute to illness and disease. This includes diseases, infections, and concerns in your mouth. At Capitol Square Dental we believe in the importance of nutritional counseling for our patient's health. What is Nutritional Counseling for Oral Health?Nutritional counseling involves visiting with our dentist and team so we can identify any food and drinks, or habits, that may be having a negative impact upon your oral health. Through this information, and by performing an oral health exam, we can then provide personalized advice on ways you can improve the health, strength, and vitality of your entire mouth - gums, teeth, and jaw. Can a Healthy Diet Prevent Tooth Decay?We encourage not only regular brushing and flossing, and bi-annual dental visits with us to maintain proper oral hygiene, but also a healthy diet and lifestyle to protect the teeth. Eating a healthy diet can also keep your teeth sparkling and cavity-free. This often includes limiting sugary drinks and snacks - including carbonated beverages, reducing or quitting smoking, and limiting sun exposure. Many do not realize that excessive exposure to the sun can cause oral (usually lip) cancer. What Kinds of Foods Should I Be Eating?Yogurt, milk, cheese, and other dairy products are good and healthy choices. Whether your family is vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-eating, you can find varieties of yogurt, milk, and cheese to suit your family's diet. Green leafy vegetables are great for adding iron, and vitamins A, C, and D to your family's diet. These vitamins help keep blood flowing and nourishing gums, protect tooth enamel, and fight decay. Nuts and seeds give minerals such as magnesium, manganese, selenium, calcium, protein, and vitamin E back to your body. If you and your family don't like these foods, look for high-fiber fruits and vegetables your family does like instead. Dentists, especially pediatric dentists, know how difficult it can be to get your family to eat healthy, especially if your children are picky eaters. Look for recipes that will give your family so much flavor they won't wonder what's in it. Putting fruits and vegetables into smoothies is also a great way to get vitamins and minerals into your family's diet. Dentists have been warning for years that too many sodas and juices lead to tooth decay. That's because the bacteria present in your mouth love sugar and will grow more rapidly the more sugar you eat. Drinking a lot of water helps to keep you hydrated and could also wash some of the bacteria out of your mouth. Want to Learn More?Do you have questions about what is included in a tooth-friendly diet? Contact Capitol Square Dental at (380) 383-3497 today and let us make you an appointment. We will provide you with education on how to use diet to maintain good oral hygiene. |
 Phone(380) 383-3497 HoursTues: 9:00am - 6:00pm Thurs: 8:00am - 3:30pm M, W, F, S - By appointment only |
