When you eat, the debris left behind can have a negative impact on your oral health. The types of foods you consume can also affect your teeth and gums. Since you can’t just stop eating all together, the next best thing is to pay attention to what you’re consuming. As you read further, your dentist in Mount Vernon lists some foods that are conducive to maintaining excellent oral health.
It’s No Secret – Americans Love Sugar
Alarmingly, statistics show that from 2009 to 2017, Americans increased their sugar consumption from 10 million to 12 million metric tons. This is a big deal because sugar just so happens to be the food that oral bacteria feed on. Therefore, as people are consuming more and more of the substance, it’s natural that the instances of tooth decay are increasing as well. This deduction has been proven correct by the World Health Organization, as their studies have found that nearly 25% of the adult population in America have untreated cavities.
The safe bet, then, is that decreasing your sugar intake can have a positive impact on your oral health.
Healthy Alternatives
Cutting back on your sugar intake doesn’t require you to lead a tasteless life. Here are some enjoyable alternatives to consider:
- Sugar-free gum – If you have a tendency toward eating candy, try substituting sugar-free gum in its place. This can be especially beneficial after consuming a meal. That’s because the chewing action helps to stimulate your natural saliva production and the removal of debris from your teeth.
- Fruit – A healthy way to satisfy a sweet craving is to eat a delicious apple, orange, banana or one of the many other types of fruits. They are exponentially better for your teeth and gums than consuming processed snacks.
- Protein – A desire for sugar can sometimes be the result of a drop in your blood glucose. One way to address this is to eat protein-rich foods like cheese, chicken, nuts or turkey.
By implementing these strategies, you can better fortify your oral health, but there is even more that you can do.
How Drinking Water Can Help
Many times, a hunger sensation or a craving for sugar can result from being dehydrated. Since the human body is composed of nearly 80% water, some weird things can happen when you’re deprived of an adequate amount. One way to protect your oral health and support your total wellness is to pause when a desire for sugar strikes and use it as an opportunity to drink a glass of water. You may just discover that the sensation is not as strong as you previously thought.
In addition to making the above adjustments to how you approach your sugar consumption, it’s a good idea to visit a local dentist consistently to make sure your oral health is up to standard. In doing so, you can maintain a beautiful and functional smile for years to come!
About the Author
A graduate of West Virginia University, Dr. James Leon has over 30 years of experience practicing dentistry. As part of his commitment to excellence, he has received advanced postgraduate training from such prestigious organizations as the Frank Spear Institute and the Pete Dawson Academy. Dr. Leon provides superb dental care at Cross Creek Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information through his website.