Diet and Dentistry

There is an element of truth in the old saying, “You are what you eat.”

Even with a good dental hygiene routine that includes daily brushing, flossing and rinsing, your diet can have a significant impact on your overall dental health. Likewise, good nutrition can prevent or lessen your risk for developing many oral health problems.

As a general rule, a balanced diet that features healthy portions of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and protein is important for both your oral health and general health. A diet lacking in certain nutrients can contribute to gum disease, which can lead to more severe health problems.

More specifically, it is recommended to choose foods that have little or no added sugars over foods with high levels of added sugars like high-fructose corn syrup.

The regular consumption of foods and beverages with high sugar levels dramatically increases your risk for tooth decay. Foods and drinks that are highly acidic can also damage your tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay.

The texture of the foods you eat can also affect your dental health. Firm, crunchy foods like apples and carrots are not only rich in nutrients, but they can help you maintain a strong dental foundation; hard candies, however, can cause premature tooth wear.

In our general dentistry and family dentistry practices, the Bellevue, Washington, dentists at Cooley Smiles focus on preventive dental care and providing dental health education. We can help you establish a good oral hygiene regimen that includes a balanced diet, as well as recommend damaging foods and drinks to avoid.

If you live in the Bellevue or Seattle, Washington, areas and would like to learn more about the benefits of preventive dentistry or schedule your check-up with Dr. Aaron Cooley or Dr. Brandon Cooley, please contact the office of Cooley Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.