4 Changes To Make To Your Diet That Can Improve Your Oral Health Dramatically

National Nutrition Month takes place in March and is a great time to remind our patients of the strong connection between the nutrition you get from your food and your oral health. As your Rosslyn dentist, Dr. Greg L. LaVecchia wants to share his tips on what to do to improve your oral health by making small changes to the food and drink you consume.

Your oral health and nutrition have a two way relationship where if you consume certain foods and beverages on a regular basis, you’re more likely to have dental problems and on the flip side, if you suffer from dental issues you may find it harder to chew and eat which will make it harder to receive nutrients.

Dental Issues Relating To Nutrition

A lack of good nutrition in your body can cause many issues for your overall health, but the issues we see most in your oral health include:

• Tooth Decay — Diets high in sugar can cause tooth decay / cavities to occur.

• Tooth Erosion — When you eat or drink anything acidic, the hard enamel on your teeth becomes softer and loses some of its mineral content leading to tooth erosion.

• Gum Disease — If your diet consists of low nutrient foods, your body may find it more difficult to fight infections, including in your mouth. Gum disease is one of the biggest causes of tooth loss in adults in the U.S.

It’s important to visit our dental practice in Arlington every six months for a check up and professional cleaning to ensure Dr. Greg L. LaVecchia and the team can spot any early signs of these issues. If you spot any of the following problems, be sure to get in contact as soon as possible so we can treat any issues quickly before you experience any severe pain.

• Bleeding in the mouth or gums

• Loose tooth

• Pain or tenderness around the teeth or gums

• Tooth discoloration

• Consistent bad breath

• Sores or abscesses in your mouth

Tips to Improve Your Oral Health Through Your Diet

1. Avoid food high in sugar, acid, or overly processed foods that have no nutritional value.

2. Maintain a diet that’s high in fiber, and contain nutrients that are healthy for your mouth such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

3. Snacking throughout the day allows the acids and bacteria to linger around your teeth and gums. It’s important to brush often and if you can't, at least rinse your mouth out with water to remove as much of the food as possible.

4. Don’t forget about the hidden sugars in juice and sodas that can attack your teeth! Drink plenty of water throughout the day instead as it’s not only good for your body but also helps clear out your mouth from lingering bacteria.

If you think you or a family member is suffering from a lack of nutrients, our dental team in Rosslyn can help refer you to useful resources on how to change your eating habits to improve your diet and ultimately the levels of nutrition you are getting in your body. It’s never too late to make changes and improve the health of your teeth. Having strong and healthy teeth in your later years is key for great overall health. Make your appointment today by calling 703-528-3336 or requesting an appointment online.