As a holistic dentist, Dr. Richard Chang takes a comprehensive approach to patient care. In addition to dental health, Dr. Chang focuses on overall wellness and daily habits like a patient’s diet. This allows him to better get to know his patients and provide more tailored care centered around minimally invasive and natural dental treatments that are in line with holistic dental practices.
We should note that poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of gum disease. Therefore, from a holistic perspective, we are very much interested in what our patients are eating to see if there’s a connection to their dental issues.
So how can we make sure we’re eating right for our teeth and gums? Let’s find out.
Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good oral health. Aim to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off cavities and tooth decay. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can wear down the enamel on teeth and lead to other serious dental issues, such as gum disease.
Eating healthy proteins, including fish and lean meat, is also good for your teeth; these foods help reduce plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy. Many dairy products are also beneficial; low-fat milk and yogurt are great calcium sources, promoting strong teeth.
Limiting sugary, acidic, and other unhealthy snacks and beverages cannot be overstated. A high-sugar diet can lead to significant health risks, including diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. Not only can sugary and acidic foods increase the risk of cavities, but they can also erode tooth enamel, leaving teeth unprotected and vulnerable to chips, cracks, and discoloration.
Many carbonated soft drinks contain phosphorus additives that interfere with the body’s calcium balance, leading to bone loss. Similarly, concentrated citrus juices are highly acidic and can contribute to enamel erosion and stomach problems if consumed in excess.
By simply cutting down on sugary drinks, snacks, and acidic and processed foods, you can significantly minimize your exposure to these harmful substances and take positive steps toward preserving your dental health.
It should go without mentioning that tobacco is harmful to your health, including your teeth!
Tobacco use is well-known for its many adverse health effects, and one of the most common side effects it presents to the teeth is discoloration.
Tobacco stains do not respond well to bleaching or other whitening treatments, so they tend to be permanent if someone continues using tobacco products.
The nicotine and tar in those products can also influence tooth decay, leaving teeth more prone to erosion, cavities, and bacteria buildup due to smoking or chewing tobacco. Without proper oral care and regular cleaning techniques, further deterioration of teeth may result in greater damage from cavities and possibly periodontal diseases affecting the gums. Ultimately, this could pose even more severe risks as gum disease has been linked to larger health issues such as stroke and heart disease over extended exposure. For these reasons, avoiding contact with tobacco products or ceasing their use can provide remarkable benefits for the mouth and overall well-being.
Staying hydrated is a crucial part of managing your health, and drinking plenty of water can help to ensure that your body has all the fluids it needs. Water helps carry nutrients to the cells in your body, aiding blood circulation and helping you regulate your core temperature.
In addition, drinking water before or during meals allows you to feel satisfied more quickly while giving your digestive system a chance to process food effectively. During digestion, food particles can mix with saliva and end up lodged in between teeth; drinking water regularly will help to wash them away, minimizing the chances of decay.
For optimal health, it’s important to remember that staying adequately hydrated is just as important as maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Water is essential for every aspect of nutrition and health — from fighting off bacteria buildup in the mouth to helping your internal organs stay in top condition — so be sure you’re drinking enough each day.
Ensuring good nutrition is key to maintaining overall health and well-being, and it is recommended that individuals consume a varied diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
In some cases, however, a person may be unable to obtain all their dietary needs from food sources alone. This can occur if their dietary intake is inadequate or their body absorbs fewer nutrients due to underlying health conditions or medications they are taking. If this is the case, physicians or dietitians might advise additional nutrient supplementation to ensure the health and prevent malnutrition. The exact supplement will depend on which micronutrients are missing from the diet; typical examples include calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. While supplements should never replace a healthy diet, they can help people who cannot meet their nutritional requirements through food alone. Consider speaking with your healthcare provider if you think you may need additional supplementation.
Are you getting all the essential nutrients your body and teeth need?
At Evergreen Dental Care, we cannot underestimate the impact individual diet choices can have on a patient’s oral health, as this is part of our holistic approach to dentistry.
If you’re concerned about the possible impact of your dietary choices and would like to speak to a holistic dentist, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Evergreen Dental Care
937 E Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 285-0285
