How Nutrition and Lifestyle Affect Your Dental Health

We all know that eating balanced meals and leading a healthy lifestyle are good for our general health. But did you know that your lifestyle habits and what you eat can also impact your oral health?

Tooth decay has become an epidemic in our culture. Yet, it can be completely prevented by making healthy choices.

Diet

What we eat and drink can have a profound effect on the health of our teeth. Our teeth are covered with a sticky substance called plaque, which contains bacteria that feed on sugars from the foods and drinks we consume. If we do not brush our teeth after eating, these sugars get converted to acid by the bacteria, and over time this acid eats away at the enamel, causing tooth decay. Furthermore, if the plaque is not removed through brushing, it hardens and becomes tartar, which can then only be removed by a dentist during a professional cleaning.

Lifestyle

The risk of developing chronic diseases is greatly affected by our lifestyle choices. Smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise are the primary culprits of many serious health conditions, including diabetes. Among the many health problems stemming from diabetes is an increased risk of gum disease.

Tips for maintaining good oral health

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after each meal.
2. Floss once a day.
3. Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and oral exam.
4. Choose foods and drinks that are low in sugar.
5. Get regular exercise.
6. Avoid smoking.

If you would like a personalized plan to improve your oral health, contact our dentists in North Hollywood today.

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