Dishing Up a Dental-Friendly Diet

DISHING UP A DENTAL-FRIENDLY DIET POOR ORAL HEALTH EPIDEMIC 80% of Americans have at least 1 cavity by age 17. 1 in 4: Americans with untreated tooth decay 66% of US adults over 45 who have lost a tooth to decay 164 million: Work hours lost each year due to dental health issues. 75% of US adults have gum disease DIETARY DECISIONS FOR DENTAL HEALTH WHAT YOU EAT plays an important role in your oral health. Here's a list of WHAT TO EAT and WHAT TO AVOID: EAT. LIMIT. OR SKIP? FOOD WHY EAT Calcium neutralizes enamel-destroying acids. Dairy Products (low-fat or fat-free) EAT Cleans between teeth. Celery LIMIT Acidic citrus fruit breaks down enamel. Citrus Fruit SKIP Sugar sticks to teeth for extended periods. Sticky Candy EAT High vitamin-A content promotes enamel formation. Sweet Potatoes SKIP Sugar and acid break down enamel. Soda LIMIT Stains teeth. Coffee/Tea/Red Wine SKIP Cracks teeth. Peanut Brittle EAT Vitamin C promotes gum health. Red Peppers EAT Rough surfaces help clean teeth. Sesame Seeds Infographic provided by: Sources: www.therabreath.com/tooth-decay-bad- breath.html www.assurantemployeebenefits.com/ smiles/assets/KC4271.2007sm.pdf www.kff.org/uninsured/upload/8324.pdf www.everydayhealth.com/health- report/dental-health-guide/best- foods-for-healthy-teeth.aspx worldental.org/nutrition/10-most- healthy-foods-for-teeth/665/ BELMONT DENTAL GROUP Dr. James L Nager, DMD, Dr. John Lapidus, DMD www.belmontdentalgroupblog.com