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Are There Foods I Can Eat To Lower My Risk for Cavities and Gum Disease?

Posted on 6/3/2024 by Dr. Dani Stansell

a 3d rendering of the stages of gum disease

Your dental health and your overall health have a lot in common. In both cases, the more you can prevent issues, the better your health can be. If your dental health is good, it can lead to improved quality of life, and your body health can lead to better dental health. Small changes to your nutrition can help you practice good dental hygiene and lower your risk for cavities and periodontal disease.

Why Should I Worry About Cavities and Gum Disease?

Both cavities and gum disease can cause permanent damage to your mouth. Cavities can become severe infections that are quite painful. Gum disease causes infections that can create inflammation in other areas of your body, such as your heart. The healthier your mouth is, the less likely it will spread inflammation or infection to other areas of your body.

Nutritional Changes You Can Make To Improve Your Dental Health

First, one great way to improve your dental health is to increase your fiber intake. A lot of fresh fruits and vegetables contain copious amounts of fiber, such as apples and celery, that can act as natural toothbrushes and increase your saliva, which leads to a decrease in the bacteria that causes dental issues.

Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables also increases beneficial vitamins and nutrients that improve your dental health and lower your risk for cavities and periodontal disease. Berries provide vitamins C and K, potassium, and magnesium that increase blood flow to your gums and decrease inflammation. Leafy green vegetables contain vitamins C and A, which decrease inflammation and help to fight bacteria in your mouth.

Another way you can help your teeth and gums is to consume calcium and vitamin D. You can get these essential vitamins by consuming nuts, yogurt, cheese, tofu, and milk.

Not sure how you can improve your dental health? We would love to make you an appointment to talk to our dentist about your nutrition and how it affects your dental health.

Locations & Hours

Brier Creek

9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204
Raleigh, NC 27617-4879

Phone: 984-477-0177
Fax: 919-249-1375

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

North Raleigh

1911 Falls Valley Drive, Ste 107
Raleigh, NC 27615

Phone: 984-206-4242
Fax: 919-249-2145

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Knightdale

1101 Great Falls Ct, Ste 102
Knightdale, NC 27545

Phone: 984-733-0330
Fax: 919-415-1849

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Stansell Dentistry Associates, 9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204, Raleigh, NC 27617-4879, 984-477-0177, stanselldentistry.com, 10/2/2024, Key Phrases: dentist Raleigh NC,