Dieting for Healthy Teeth

45 percent of Americans will have made a New year’s Resolutions this year for self improvement, 80 percent of them will fail to keep it. Lets not let this happen this year!  Let’s start with what we eat! During the holidays Americans  consume so much sugar, sodium, and fats, if we modify our eating habits even slightly then we could save ourselves and actually keep be on track for our resolution!

For healthy living and for healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink. It’s not only what you eat but what you eat that can affect your dental health. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. If you are on a special diet, keep your physician’s advice in mind when choosing foods.

For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks:

 

• Drink plenty of water.

• Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including:

• whole grains

• fruits

• vegetables

• lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes

• low-fat and fat-free dairy foods

 

Try limiting the sugary, salty, and fatty foods to a couple times a week if you must snack, but try limiting the snacking all together. Your body produces more saliva during actual meals verses when you snack. If you must snack then choosing fruits, vegetables, or cheese is always better.  And remember ALWAYS FLOSS AND BRUSH AT LEAST TWICE A DAY!