Tupelo, MS – Dr. John Kenney - “Your Dental Health” -Nutrition

You may be able to prevent two of the most common oral diseases, tooth decay and periodontal disease, simply by improving your diet. Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, making the body susceptible to many disorders. Be sure to plan meals and snacks to promote better oral health. Eat a well-balanced diet by choosing foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat. Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. So when you snack, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods such as cakes, candy and dried fruits. Instead, choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy. And, always keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water.