Did you know your diet can have a direct link to oral health? This is what dentists at The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics discovered after researching how a person’s eating habits can spur dental conditions. As a result, they have urged people to keep their diet in mind when strategizing to maintain optimum oral hygiene.

The Impact of Nutrition on Teeth

Eating too many sugary treats can cause cavities, which in turn may lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This can impact your ability to eat the foods necessary for a healthy diet, thereby weakening your body.

Decay can have other ill-effects on your smile. For example, it can also lead to discoloration that can’t be remedied by brushing and flossing at home. Foods that are good for you are less likely to cause staining, with some even offering tooth-scrubbing capabilities like apples and carrots. 

What a Balanced Diet Looks Like

A good diet should contain a mix of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Additionally, types of protein should be varied, such as fish, poultry, and lean cuts of beef. 

Nutritious foods are essential for you body, but they can also work wonders on your teeth. Foods replete with calcium, such as dairy products, help keep teeth and bones strong. Vitamin C, which can be found in broccoli and kale, is another essential nutrient because it helps fight inflammation along the gum line, which can trap bacteria and cause the rate of decay to become accelerated. 

Of course, a healthy diet will have little impact if you don’t care for your teeth properly. This entails brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and having regular checkups at your family dentist. In La Crosse County, WI, the Dental Clinic of Onalaska believes a comprehensive approach to oral health is key. That’s why they urge patients to give some thought to the foods they eat on a regular basis. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a trusted dentist, call (608) 783-3341 today. Or, visit them online to learn more about the full range of services this dentist offers, including teeth whitening.