National Nutrition Month: An Excellent Time to Boost Oral Health!

March has been set aside as National Nutrition Month. It’s the result of a coordinated effort between doctors, dietitians, nutritionists and scientists to present the public with reliable and effective information they can immediately implement into their lives. The ultimate goal is to boost overall health, but your local dentist has a special interest in the process as well. That’s because the higher the quality of food you eat, the better oral health you can expect to have. As you continue reading, you’ll get some simple yet effective tips!

It Takes More Than Oral Hygiene

You’re probably already aware of how important it is to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day, but did you know that your dietary choices play a huge role in your oral health as well? When you incorporate healthier foods into your regimen, you can expect to have strong enamel (the protective outer layer of your teeth) and resilient gum tissue. Even better, taking a conscious approach to eating helps to keep oral bacteria at bay.

Foods for Optimum Oral Health

Here are some of the key nutrients you can get when you make the right food choices:

• Calcium – Promotes strong teeth and bones and is found in milk, yogurt, cheese, canned salmon, almonds and dark leafy green vegetables
• Phosphorus – A building block in the formation of new bone cells, and found in eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts and beans
• Vitamin C – Promotes gum health and helps to prevent oral cancer, and can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, pepper, broccoli, potatoes and spinach

Proper Planning for Better Execution

One of the secrets of being successful at any endeavor is to properly plan. It’s important to do so because life will throw some “curve balls” at you. By having a strategy in place, you can adjust and not be knocked off track.

When it comes to eating healthy, that means you should think about what you’re going to consume in advance, so that you’re rarely put in a position where you have to make a spontaneous decision. These situations usually don’t turn out well. Instead, create a menu and eating schedule prior to starting your day or week.

With your plan in hand, you can then cook and prep your meals ahead of time. Therefore, as your busy week gets underway, you can just grab your food and go.

By taking these simple steps, being consistent in your efforts and remembering to visit your local dentist semi-annually for cleanings and checkups, you can look forward to having superb and functional oral health for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Sarah Pitarra is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. Throughout her career, she has taken numerous hours of continuous education to stay abreast of the latest advancements in dentistry and to further expand her knowledge. Dr. Pitarra encourages healthy eating and provides preventive care to promote the best in dental wellness at her private practice. She can be reached for more information through her website.