diet

ARE YOU SETTING WEIGHT LOSS GOALS? GREAT! Just remember to stay healthy — and that includes taking good care of your teeth while dieting!

In order to keep your teeth healthy while in braces, it’s very important to be careful of the foods that you eat. Many of those dangerous foods are things you would never eat on a diet — like sour gummies. However, many healthy diet foods are also bad for your teeth, and braces!

Connections Between Oral Health & Whole Body Health

Our bodies are amazing. Sometimes we forget about the connections between each system. If you’re working to lose weight, be aware of how those diet decisions may affect your teeth. Here are four quick, useful tips:

#1: Be Careful With Juicing & Smoothies

Juicing and drinking smoothies are a recommended part of many diets. They are great ways to consume nutritious fruits and veggies. But remember they can be high in sugar and acids. Also, their strong pigmentation can stain teeth, a major problem if you have braces. Consider using a straw and always rinse your mouth with water when finished.

#2: “Grazing” Can Make Your Mouth A Constant War Zone

Some diets have you snacking less and some have you snacking more! Keep in mind that every time you eat something, your mouth works hard to regain its pH balance—battling acids and washing away debris. You can help by finishing up with a “scrubber” food like celery (chopped or sliced, to make it braces-friendly). And again, rinsing with water is super important.

#3: Some Diet-Friendly Snacks Are Not Tooth Friendly

Some diet-friendly snacks to be careful with include dried fruits that stick to your teeth, nuts, and acidic citrus foods.

#4: Drink Plenty Of Water And Get Enough Vitamins & Minerals

A change in your diet can decrease saliva flow, especially if you’re taking dietary pills or supplements. Drink a lot of water to compensate. Also, vitamins and minerals fuel healthy operations throughout your body. They reinforce tooth enamel and help you resist infection.

Let Us Know If You Have Questions

We’re cheering for you! Good luck with your diet! Let us know if you have any questions about how dieting can affect your smile. Be sure to keep your regular dental cleaning appointments so that any potential problems are identified early.

Thanks for the trust you place in our practice. We appreciate having you as our valued patient.

Gorczyca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, Antioch California 94531
(925) 757-9000 www.clubbraces.com

IT’S IMPORTANT TO EAT RIGHT to maintain the oral health of your teeth and gums. This is especially true during braces.

Eating Right Helps Fend Off Plaque, Gingivitis, And Periodontal Disease

A healthy diet will maintain healthy tooth enamel and prevent the formation of plaque, white spot lesions, and tooth decay. Eating the right nutritious foods will produce strong and healthy gums, and will help prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

Foods to avoid to maintain tooth and gum health include acidic drinks with lemon, soda, and candy. These can damage and erode your enamel making you prone to tooth sensitivity, decalcification, and cavities. Potato chips and cookies can contribute to tooth plaque. Be sure to brush and floss at least twice per day to prevent the unwanted dental effects of these and other foods.

“Super-Smile” Foods That May Surprise You

Healthy and nutritious foods for teeth and gums include those rich in calcium and vitamin D. Here is a list of foods considered extremely healthy for your teeth:

1. Salmon- increases calcium absorption
2. Broccoli- reduces acid erosion
3. Onions- reduce bacteria
4. Celery- massages gums, cleans teeth, produces saliva
5. Apples- prevent plaque
6. Kiwi- vitamin C rich to increase collegen for gums
7. Paprika- high concentration of Vitamin C for gums
8. Jello- collagen for healthy gums
9. Carrots- prevent plaque
10. Quinoa- contains vitamins and minerals
11. Shiitaki Mushrooms- prevent mouth bacterial growth
12. Sesame Seeds- clear plaque and supply calcium
13. Milk- rich in calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth

Check Out These Awesome Recipe Books

For healthy and brace friendly recipes, check out the cook books by Pamela Waterman.

If you would like to learn more about healthy and nutritious foods and recipes you can enjoy during braces, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, CA. You can find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000.

We wish you happy and healthy cooking and delicious foods during your braces. Eat right for a gorgeous smile.