As you age, your teeth may become more of a priority to you. You’ll likely start to realize all of the day-to-day tasks that they’re crucial for and may be motivated to make changes to make small lifestyle changes to help preserve them. As you age, this task can become more difficult than it already is with the constant threat of gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. One way you can do this is by maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet. Many people aren’t aware that this can help reduce your risk of developing oral health problems and extend the lifespan of your smile. Read on for four nutritional tips from your dentist in Marlton that can help adults over 40 keep their natural pearly whites.
Take Supplements For Gum & Oral Health
A simple addition to your daily diet like vitamins and supplements could be one of the best ways to keep your oral health in great shape. Here are a few vitamins to take and what they do:
- Calcium helps strengthen your tooth enamel and protect from cavity development.
- Vitamin K helps prevent bone breakdown, especially in the jawbone.
- Vitamin C helps strengthen your gums and soft tissues in your mouth as well as protect against gingivitis.
- Vitamin A keeps your mucous membrane healthy and prevents dry mouth, which stops harmful oral bacteria accumulation and cavity formation.
Drink More of These Cavity-Fighting Beverages
Did you know that certain beverages can help fight off harmful oral bacteria and food debris buildup in your mouth? Keeping a water bottle on you throughout the day can prevent debris from settling in the grooves of your molars and attracting bacteria. Studies have also shown that drinking green tea can help reduce cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth and promote healthy teeth and gums!
Avoid Sugary & Sticky Foods
Eating excessive amounts of sugar can be detrimental to your oral health at any age. Harmful bacteria are known to be fueled by sugar. Once they consume it, they release waste in the form of inflammation causing toxins that are known to result in the early signs of gingivitis. If you eat carb-filled or sugary foods that are sticky, it could impede your saliva’s hard work of neutralizing acids in the mouth because these substances are harder to naturally wash away from the surface of the teeth.
Steer Clear of Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated beverages aren’t all horrible for your oral health, especially ones that are sugar-free, like sparkling water. However, they do all cause enamel to soften. This becomes a problem when you brush your teeth too soon after drinking one, which can wear away your enamel and leave your teeth at a higher risk of developing cavities. It’s best to stay away from these as you get older, especially carbonated beverages that are high in sugars.
When you implement these helpful nutritional tips into your daily diet, you can help preserve your natural smile and avoid oral health problems. Paired with routine checkups and cleanings from your dentist in Marlton, you can easily enjoy your smile for the rest of your life.
About the Author
Dr. Kristin Petulla is passionate about providing her patients with a more holistic and personalized approach to dentistry. She enjoys helping her patients optimize their oral health so they can maintain beautiful and fully functional smiles for their lifetime. That’s why she focuses her energy on offering thorough routine preventive dental care, like checkups and cleanings. She has also attended the Las Vegas Institute for advanced training and education. For questions or to schedule an appointment for a semi-annual visit, go to her website or call 859-983-4846.