Eating is a major source of enjoyment for most of us. Planning our next meal is a pleasurable pastime, especially when it involves sharing it with family and friends. At the same time, decisions about what we eat and drink have a profound effect on our health, including our oral health. You may be brushing and flossing regularly, but if your oral hygiene routine doesn’t take your diet into account, you may be putting yourself at risk for tooth decay, gum disease and more.
During every routine visit and cleaning, the endodontists at Concho Valley Endodontics educate all our patients about the role diet and nutrition play in their general and oral health. Eating a balanced diet that includes the five major food groups and drinking plenty of water are strongly recommended. And it’s not only the type of food you eat, but when you eat it that matters. Sticking to regular mealtimes and limiting between meal snacks are recommended for maintaining the proper production of saliva, which is critical in washing away foods and harmful acids in the mouth.
Patients should keep in mind that sugar contained in foods and beverages will hasten tooth decay by eroding their hard outer enamel. Also, the lack of certain nutrients in the diet can make it harder for the mouth to stave off infection, which can lead to gum disease — a leading reason that people lose teeth. Patients on a special diet due to a medical condition should discuss their food choices with their doctor and dentist.
Regular checkups with our endodontists at Concho Valley Endodontics will help prevent tooth decay and other problems from occurring, and get an early chance to treat those that do occur. And you can do your part by brushing and flossing — and putting oral health on the menu at mealtime. Call us today to find out how we can help you achieve optimal, long lasting oral health.
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