Want to Become a Patient? 866-938-5879 Current Patients 915-581-0500
David M. Rizk, DDS

Why Eating Right Will Never Be Wrong for You (And Your Smile)

added on: March 12, 2019

nutrition monthIt’s probably safe to say that most people know that they need to eat healthy for their bodies and their teeth to be able to function properly and perform optimally for an entire lifetime. (Well, except maybe toddlers and young kids who would take candy over carrots any day.)

In honor of National Nutrition Month, our dental office in El Paso thought it might be a good time to have a little refresher blog about the benefits of eating less sugary and processed foods and more delicious fruits and veggies.

What Foods Will Help My Teeth?

Your dentist in El Paso agrees with the American Dental Association that certain foods and beverages can benefit your oral health because they’re rich in calcium and other beneficial tooth nutrients. They include:

  • Milk
  • Plain yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Tofu
  • Leafy greens
  • Almonds
  • Apples
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Foods like red meat, eggs, poultry, and fish can also be rich in smile-boosting proteins and can be part of a healthy diet (unless of course you choose to stick to a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet). Just remember that foods and beverages rich with calcium and protein have the power to protect and fortify your tooth enamel, which is essential to maintaining your oral health. Once you lose your enamel or it begins to break down, there’s no way of getting it back.

You Can Never Go Wrong With Fruits and Vegetables

The reason why fruits and vegetables are so good for our smiles and our bodies is that most of them are rich with vitamin C and vitamin A. Can you guess what these powerful vitamins can do for your smile? They can keep your gums healthy, help wounds heal more quickly, and can also help build strong tooth enamel just like calcium and protein.

Most veggies and fruits also contain a good amount of water and fiber, which your entire body can benefit from. You can be sure you’re also stimulating your salivary glands and helping to wash away bacteria from your teeth when you crunch down on fresh fruits and veggies. This goes to show you why it’s super important to keep your smile healthy, so you’re able to enjoy these things without pain or discomfort.

The Obligatory ‘No Sugar’ Talk

So, we’re sure you already know our El Paso dental office is never going to recommend a sugar-filled diet for any patient at any age. It is just not good for you or your teeth. The truth is, sweets can damage teeth because they cause acid levels to rise significantly with every unhealthy bite. This acid loves to attack your valuable tooth enamel that is impossible to recreate artificially, despite all of the advancements in modern dentistry. When your enamel wears down, your teeth are at risk for:

We always want to do everything we can to ensure total body health for our entire family of patients. If there’s something that you’re struggling with in terms of diet and how it could be affecting your smile health, please don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can talk. Together we can find a solution that works for you!

About The Author
Dr. David M. Rizk

Dr. David M. Rizk, recognized as the Best Dentist in America in 2004-2005, focuses on treating patients who have given up on their dental care. He is a member of several dental organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute. He obtained fellowship accreditation from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is a fellow at the Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Rizk contributes to different dental journals, being an expert in his field.


What Patients Are Saying

From Our Blog

Oct8

Understanding the Link Between Breast Cancer and Oral Health

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness about breast cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection. But did you know that breast cancer can also impact your oral health? Understanding this connection is crucial, especially for those undergoing treatment or in remission. Let’s... Read More...

Sep23

The Oral Health Implications of Intermittent Fasting and Keto Diets

As more people explore intermittent fasting and keto diets to improve their overall health, it’s essential to understand how these popular trends can impact oral health. While both approaches have benefits, they can also introduce challenges for your teeth and gums. Here’s what you need to know about intermittent fasting... Read More...