By Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RDN, LDN, CLC
mail@floridanewsline.com
Healthy eating habits and routine dental care go hand-in-hand for optimal oral health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 20 percent of children aged five through 11 have at least one untreated dental cavity. You may be wondering how you can boost yours or your children’s oral health by improving your dietary habits and here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Limit juice and sugary beverages (e.g., sweetened coffee, sports drinks, fruit juice, soda). The sugars in these beverages stay on your teeth and contribute to dental decay. Opt in to eliminating these sugary drinks between meals and/or brush one’s teeth immediately after consuming them to help prevent cavities.
- Learn more about food hygiene. Check out an online platform (www.e-bug.eu), a community that helps adults and children learn about optimal oral health and nutrition.
- Consume calcium-rich foods for bone health. Calcium rich foods help promote strong teeth and bones; add in dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese) or other calcium sources (canned salmon, almonds, dark leafy greens).
- Practice moderation of chewy, sticky foods. Sticky foods such as raisins, jellybeans, and caramel stick to the teeth and get in the crevices between the teeth.
- Boost Vitamin C consumption for gum health. Vitamin C is an important dietary oxidant for periodontal health. Add in foods such as kiwi, citrus, tomato, broccoli, and strawberries to support gum health.
- Drink plenty of water. Water helps to wash away any bacteria in the mouth and rinse the teeth. It’s important to drink water both with meals and between meals.
- Brush your teeth right before bedtime. All the food and beverages we consume all day leave residues on our teeth; it’s important to brush them all away each morning and night. Brushing your teeth and flossing help to scrape away sticky residues, leaving a clean and healthy smile.
Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RDN, LDN, CLC, FAND is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida.
