New Year, New Foods!

I’m sure that many of you have heard the saying, “You are what you eat”, multiple times before. While most of the time that is in reference to the overall health of your body, it is also true for your oral health as well. It is well known that an over indulgence of sugary foods such as candy, soda, and alcohol can lead to tooth decay and cavities. While we have a multitude of treatments that can assist with decay and other oral issues, you can help yourself by being mindful of what you eat and drink.

Mindful Snack Habits

Over the past year, many people have found themselves home more often than they are used to. Being home for that length of time and missing out on a daily routine has caused an increase in snacking. While delicious in the moment, mindless snacking does not only affect your overall health, but just as importantly, your dental health as well. Frequent snacking can lead to an abundance of bacteria in the mouth, eventually turning into decay and tartar. We highly suggest reflecting on your snacking patterns and reevaluating your timing and food decisions. If you snack outside of regular mealtimes, we suggest brushing your teeth after eating, or if brushing is not possible, drinking a large glass of water or chewing on sugar-free gum.

Healthy Snacks for Healthy Teeth

When choosing a snack, there are better options than others. We recommend a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, calcium-rich foods and whole grains such as:

• Cheese and yogurt – good sources of calcium which strengthens tooth enamel; however, be mindful not to choose products (yogurt) with a high sugar content
• Leafy greens – kale and spinach are full of calcium and folic acid, which can help gum disease
• Apples and carrots – full of fiber and cause an increase in saliva production, which assists in washing away bacteria after a meal
• Celery – slightly mimics a toothbrush by scraping food particles away and increases saliva production

We want to make sure our patients in Ashburn, VA not only get the best dental care possible, but are also informed and educated on how to keep their teeth healthy. Please call our office if you have questions or want more information on how you can achieve great dental health.