March in for a Checkup!

Happy March!!! 

March is also National Nutrition Month.  Nutrition and diet go hand in hand with dental health.  What you consume, not only affects your weight and your health, but also has a direct effect on the health of your teeth and the development of tooth decay. The bacteria in our mouths use carbohydrates as food, producing acid which causes cavities. When you think of cavity forming foods, you mainly think of high sugar foods like candy or juice, but highly processed foods like crackers, chips, which are high carbs can also produce the same effect.

As an alternative, we should consume foods that not only taste great but are beneficial for our teeth as well. For example, dairy products like milk and cheese, provide the body with nutritional items that support tooth enamel and bone. Also foods high in protein contain phosphorus, a nutrient important to oral health.

As we've been told all of our lives, "Eat your fruits and vegetable!" Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative to a healthy, well balanced diet.  Although, acidic fruits like lemons or oranges, should be eaten in moderation because the acid can erode tooth enamel. 

Remember, practicing good nutritional habits is something we should be conscious about all year long.  March, National Nutrition Month can be a healthy reminder that eating right can be a daily habit to manage your dental health.

Eat right, Smile Bright!!!

Aloha,

Sagawa Dental