Good health is made up of an equal balance of your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual parts all working in harmony.  What we consume in any form will affect it.

When it comes to your oral health, what you drink and eat is vital to the well-being of your teeth and gums.  Other factors like teeth grinding, tooth brushing and flossing, play a role too.

So many diseases could be prevented by simply sticking to a healthy diet.  This will benefit your oral health in many ways as well along with regular dental check-ups and careful maintenance.

It is easy to forget how important the overall health of our mouths is until it is too late.  It is safe to say, however, that if you pay attention to your nutrition your mouth, and all the parts inside it, will thank you.

Both the soft and hard tissues of your teeth can be affected by a variety of nutritional interactions. It is these points of vulnerability that are the first to suffer if your diet does not contain enough nutrients to maintain the oral tissues and bones that support your teeth.

If this supporting structure deteriorates that will lead to all the pain and embarrassment that comes with not being able to eat happily in public. Or happily anywhere at all, for that matter!

OPTIMIZE YOUR DIET

The nutrients needed for a healthy dental diet can be placed into 6 major categories:

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Vitamins
• Fats
• Minerals
• Water

When blended in a perfect mix, these six essentials provide you with energy, the ability for your body to grow and heal and also regulate your metabolism.

DIGESTION

Yet another body part that may be underappreciated until it goes wrong is our digestive tract.  This long tube starts at the mouth and goes all the way through to the posterior.  All the many sections of your digestive tract will flourish with a good diet.  It can cause you much discomfort if anything consumed is perceived by your body as foreign or allergenic.  A visit to the doctor should be able to help you ascertain what foods you may be allergic to and should avoid for optimal gastrointestinal health.

TEETHING PROBLEMS

A problem with the teeth means a problem with chewing.  If any pain or discomfort is experienced while biting or chewing you should visit your dentist.  It could be caused by a variety of problems such as gum disease, cavities, teeth alignment or impacted wisdom molars.

While you are having the problem fixed it is best to stick to softer foods.  Slowly introduce harder and tougher substances once the procedures to address the pain source have been implemented.  Your dental expert will have a list of what foods to avoid until such time.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD NUTRITION

A poor diet can lead to all kinds of nasty long-term problems with your teeth and gums.  Gums are sustained and nurtured by the blood supply in your body.  They are the cornerstone to anchoring your teeth in your mouth.  Gum disease or periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Here is a list of the essential nutrients needed to maintain oral health:

• PROTEINS – boost the immune function, development of connective tissues and tooth structure
• PHOSPHORUS – aids tooth structure
• OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS – regulates the inflammatory response and immune system
• VITAMIN B – helps in the production of epithelial cell in gums
• CALCIUM – enhances the enamel’s mineral content

Included as important nutrients are: folates, antioxidants, Vitamins A and C and zinc.

Dr. Johay, a dentist from Auckland, says “At the grocery store by focusing on fresh fruit and proteins, this will give your body access to all of the above.  Foods like soy, garlic and green tea and anything containing probiotics, arginine or phytochemicals will help you in the fight against bad bacteria in your mouth”.

Not only good oral health will be the benefit of a balanced nutritional diet.  You can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lose weight and have a general feeling of bounce and well-being.

Now that is something to smile about!