Good Nutrition Leads to Healthy Mouths

At Advanced Dental Associates, we know the most common oral health diseases are tooth decay and periodontal disease (or gum disease), and both are among the easiest to prevent. One of the most common ways we recommend to boost your oral health is by improving your diet, because you (and your mouth) truly are what you eat. A healthy diet can lead to a healthy mouth and body, while an unhealthy diet can lead to the exact opposite.

The Role Nutrition Plays

While diet is not the only factor that leads to periodontal disease, studies suggest the disease may be more severe among patients whose diets lack essential nutrients. Poor diets will generally lead to a weaker immune system, leaving your body susceptible to all kinds of ailments, including periodontal disease.

A Well-Balanced Approach

There is no “magic” diet that we can recommend to improve your oral health, but the most important thing is to seek a well-balanced approach in your eating. While fad diets that emphasize one food group over another may help you lose weight in the short-term, they probably will not provide all the nutrients your body needs in the long run.

Meals should include a balance of lean meats or other healthy protein sources, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. Foods containing substantial amounts of sugar and salt should be consumed in moderation.

Soda and Sugar: A Dangerous Duo

Millions of gallons of soda are consumed every day in America, but sipping a cold soft drink can be very harmful to your teeth. Many of these beverages wear down the enamel that protects the teeth, which weakens and even destroys them over time. The American Beverage Association estimates that soft drinks account for almost 30 percent of all drink consumption in the U.S., averaging an annual total of about 50 gallons per person (up from only 20 gallons in the 1970s). For healthy teeth and a healthy body overall, try to limit your soda intake.

Sugar is another ubiquitous treat in our daily lives. When we eat sugar, naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths convert it to acids that attack tooth enamel. Consuming too much sugar can swiftly lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases like gingivitis. Most people do not even realize how much sugar they consume each day. It’s important to limit your daily sugar intake by reading the labels of all the food you eat, and sticking with natural food sources that are low in sugar, especially ones that minimize added sugar, such as fruits and vegetables.

If you have questions about your diet and how it may be affecting your oral health, talk to the doctor about it. See you soon!

Our Location

285 Elm Street, Suite 200, Cumming, GA 30040

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Advanced Dental Associates

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say About Us

  • "I switched dentists, and got really lucky to have found this practice. The staff are great ! Dr. Orr is great !! Highly recommend."
    Brandi B.
  • "Dr. Wyatt & staff are always welcoming & kind. They get me back straight away & give me full details about my visits. I feel very comfortable with this group & travel quite a ways to see them specifically. I have some bad experiences with other dentists & feel these folks can be trusted."
    Kasey A.
  • "I always enjoy my visit to their offices! They take extra time to make sure I am comfortable!"
    David R.
  • "I have been going to Advanced Dental for about 11 years. My whole family sees them. We LOVE them! I used to hate going to the dentist, but I no longer dread it with them. They have a very caring staff!"
    Cassie S.
  • "I have always found the people at Dr. Joiner and Henderson's office to be caring and gentle. They don't try to push unneeded treatment on patients. The staff has always been professional and friendly."
    Mike R.