We’re wrapping up 2022 and welcoming another year with lots of festivities. The Woodlands Dental Group team thought it might be good to discuss foods and drinks you could enjoy this holiday season that won’t hurt your oral health.
It’s All About the Power of Protein
Did you know that eating your fair share of protein-rich foods can help to offset potential oral health problems? According to experts, people who don’t consume enough protein can struggle because of it. While your Woodlands dentists always tell you to monitor sugar intake, other vital dietary decisions can help your teeth.
But where do you find this nutrient? Start by adding some milk, cheese, and lean meats like chicken to your plate. A new review focusing on different oral health studies courtesy of the Journal of Nutrients said that something called “protein-energy” malnutrition could be linked to issues such as:
- Cavities and decay
- Thinning of your tooth enamel
- Shrinking salivary glands
When your body isn’t producing enough saliva, your teeth are exposed to risks from cavities and bacteria.
What Protein Works Best?
As we mentioned earlier, milk could be the key. It was found that there’s an inverse association between drinking milk and consuming dairy products and gum disease in adult patients. How milk or dairy fights gum disease or periodontitis is not yet clear, yet it can help your Woodlands dentist understand more about preserving your smile. If you can handle milk, don’t be shy to eat some cheese off those charcuterie boards at your holiday festivities. It’s one of the best foods for your teeth.
What You Can Do
Eating the right foods and watching your diet generally benefits your oral and overall health. Remember that having a regular oral health care routine at home that includes two minutes of brushing followed by flossing twice daily is super important. Also, don’t forget to reach out to one of our Woodlands dental offices for a checkup from the neck up and a gentle cleaning. Call us today for more information and to learn more about appointment times that will work for your busy schedule.
For more information, please contact us today:
Dr. Robert Dernick (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry, and TMJ)
Dr. Mike Freeman (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ)
Dr. Alisa Reed (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Laser, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ)
Dr. Wade Williams (Orthodontics)
Dr. Nikita Vakil (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry)
Dr. Leslie Blackburn (Pediatric Dentistry)
