Some people, despite ritually practicing proper brushing and flossing techniques, still seem to struggle with tooth pain, gum pain, and/or cavities.

Sometimes, these problems could be the consequence of what you are eating or a reflection of your physical health. Today, we will take a look at some great nutritional and physical habits you can adapt that may help in maintaining a healthy mouth and smile!

Good Nutrition

The first, and probably most important habit for healthy teeth is eating the right foods. It makes sense right? Your teeth make direct contact with the foods you eat every day. Why not give them something that makes them feel good?

The best way to think about you food is to imagine a plate. For the most healthy mouth, half of that plate should be filled with fruits and/or vegetables. The rest of your plate should be about equal parts grains, dairy, and lean protein.

For grains, stick to whole grains. This include oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grain breads.

Dairy should be low-fat or nonfat to best support your teeth.

Snacking throughout the day, in between meals,  is totally acceptable, but it’s normally discouraged. This is because most items considered snack foods are very unhealthy, and actually cause cavities.

Get Physical and Talk With A Dentist In Hoover  

Obviously, staying physically fit has many health advantages. From preventing diabetes, to heart health, it’s widely known to be beneficial. But, did you know it can contribute to stronger oral hygiene?

Studies show that people who maintain a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness, had a lower risk for periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious inflammatory disease. It affects the supporting bone and tissue surrounding the teeth. It is more commonly referred to as gum disease.

It’s important to note that research has linked gum disease to heart disease, and other diseases.  Your mouth is the source of everything that enters your body. Protect it, and you’re likely protecting your whole self.

If you are concerned about your dental health and curious about what you can do to improve it, it’s best to contact a dentist.  All of these suggestions are preventative, and will not help if you already have a cavity or gum disease. Talk to a dentist in Hoover for more ideas.

What To Avoid

Because we believe in nutrition and it’s correlation to dental health, we think it’s equally important to share the types of foods to stay away from in order to prevent an unhealthy mouth.

First, stay away from chewing on ice. Nutritionally, water is amazing for teeth, and ice is made of water, but ice is hard. Chewing on hard surfaces breaks down the enamel and sometimes even breaks the tooth.

Sugary drinks are important to avoid as well. This includes adding sugar to your morning coffee or tea.

Chewy foods that stick to your teeth are generally the worst for you. These most likely contain sugar, and stick onto your teeth all day. This puts your teeth at a much high risk for cavities. If you must eat chewy foods, brush, rinse, and floss regularly.

Finally, citrus foods like lemon and lime can cause damage to the enamel. If you find yourself eating high amounts of citrus, it is best to try and eliminate that habit. Switching to water is always the healthiest answer.

Learn more about how to maintain good dental hygiene through brushing and flossing, and contact your dentist in Hoover today!