Hey Teens! Now is the Time to Establish a Healthy Diet for Healthy Teeth!
Teens! The foods you choose to eat now can affect your general and oral health for years to come. If your diet consists of pizza, hamburgers, sugary cola drinks and other non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? As a teenager, you can change the course you are headed and prevent the problems that lie ahead.
You Can Enjoy the Benefits of Overall Health, and Healthy Teeth Through Healthy Eating!
You may ask the question, what does a healthy diet have to do with healthy teeth? Teenagers are generally free from the responsibilities of adulthood as you snack on pizza, tacos, energy drinks, soda, and chips with salsa. The foods you prefer now as a teenager can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums, now and in the future. Soda is sugary, energy drinks have loads of sugar and caffeine, and those non-nutritious snacks increase your risk of tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? This is one disease that is completely preventable through healthy eating.
Sugar is Not the Only Culprit
You may think you just need to curb eating sweets, but sugar is not found in sweet snacks alone. Foods high in carbohydrates, such as pizza, chips, and crackers, also contain sugars and they are damaging to your teeth. Foods high in sugar are a major cause of tooth decay and have little nutritional value. Research indicates that gum disease and tooth decay progress faster and are more severe in people with poor nutrition.
Are There Healthy Snacks I Can Eat?
Teenagers are always hungry because they are growing. They’re usually hungry before the breakfast dishes are done. If you fit in that category and have to eat often, choose a healthy snack, such as a piece of cheese, or fruit and vegetables. To protect your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to clean the food residue from your teeth. Swishing your teeth with water will also help dilute and wash away acids from your mouth until you brush your teeth.
Guidelines for Meals and Snacks That Will Promote Good Dental Health
- Drink lots of water. Tap water is best since it’s been treated with fluoride and will strengthen your tooth enamel. Acidic carbonated drinks cause dental erosion.
- Foods from the five major food groups contain whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish; dry beans, and low-fat dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Other Healthy Snacks
- Plain popcorn
- Nuts
- Plain bagels
- Rice cakes
For more information on healthy foods that are good for you, visit the Choose My Plate Website. The site contains dietary recommendations for children, teens, and adults based on their levels of physical activity.
Dental Check-ups Every Six Months are Crucial to Teens
It’s important to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS can help prevent oral problems that are common in teenagers, and members of the whole family.
Dr. Evanson can answer any questions you have about your teeth. If you are missing a tooth, or your teeth are crooked or discolored, Dr. Evanson can find a solution. She prides herself in being a caring and compassionate dentist, so call today for an appointment at (720) 409-0008, or contact us online.
You will not always be a teenager, and how you choose take care of your dental health now will impact you for years to come.
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