My Blog
Posts for tag: nutrition

March is national nutrition month—a good time to look at the connection between diet and oral health. You probably know that sugar is a major culprit in dental problems. This is because bacteria feed on sugars and create acid that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks as much as possible is a good rule of thumb, but there are some food choices that actually benefit your oral health. Here are nutrition tips that will help keep your smile healthy for life:
Say cheese. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt contain calcium and phosphorus to build teeth and strengthen the supporting bone. And cheese neutralizes acid in the mouth to help fight cavities and gum disease.
Choose lean proteins. Lean meats, poultry, fish, milk and eggs help strengthen teeth. They are rich in protein and phosphorous, which is essential for building strong bones and teeth.
Eat a rainbow. Fruits and vegetables provide many key nutrients, including vitamins necessary for healing, bone strength, and healthy gums. Besides being nutritious, fruits and veggies scrub your teeth while you chew and stimulate the production of saliva, which is necessary for neutralizing acid and rebuilding enamel.
Nibble on nuts. Nuts contain protein, fiber and healthy fats. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals to keep teeth strong and gums healthy. Further, chewing nuts stimulates saliva production, lowering the risk of tooth decay.
Go for the grains. Studies have shown that eating too many refined carbohydrates such as white bread and sweet bakery items can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a factor in gum disease, heart disease, stroke and other conditions. In contrast, eating complex carbohydrates such as whole grains may reduce inflammation in the body.
What you put in your body can play a big role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, so choose foods that provide the right building blocks for optimal dental and overall health.
If you have questions about how nutrition affects oral health, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine article “Nutrition & Oral Health.”

Although a variety of foods provide energy-producing carbohydrates, sugar is among the most popular. It’s believed we universally crave sugar because of the quick energy boost after eating it, or that it also causes a release in our brains of serotonin endorphins, chemicals which relax us and make us feel good.
But there is a downside to refined sugars like table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup: too much in our diets contributes to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dental disease. On the latter, sugar is a primary food source for oral bacteria; the more sugar available in the mouth the higher the levels of bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Moderating your intake of refined sugars and other carbohydrates can be hard to do, given that many processed foods contain various forms of refined sugar. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables helps control sugar intake as well as contribute to overall health. Many people also turn to a variety of sugar substitutes: one study found roughly 85% of Americans use some form of it in place of sugar. They’re also being added to many processed foods: unless you’re checking ingredients labels, you may be consuming them unknowingly.
Sugar substitutes are generally either artificial, manufactured products like saccharin or aspartame or extractions from natural substances like stevia or sorbitol. The good news concerning your teeth and gums is that all the major sugar substitutes don’t encourage bacterial growth. Still, while they’re generally safe for consumption, each has varying properties and may have side-effects for certain people. For example, people with phenylketonuria, a rare genetic condition, can’t process aspartame properly and should avoid it.
One alcohol-based sweetener in particular is of interest in oral care. A number of studies indicate xylitol may actually inhibit bacterial growth and thus reduce the risk of tooth decay. You can find xylitol in a variety of gum and mint products.
When considering what sugar substitutes to use, be sure you’re up to date on their potential health effects for certain individuals, as well as check the ingredients labels of processed foods for added sweeteners. As your dentist, we’ll also be glad to advise you on strategies to reduce sugar in your diet and promote better dental health.
If you would like more information on your best options for sweeteners, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Artificial Sweeteners.”

If you’ve had issues with periodontal (gum) disease, no doubt a few things have changed for you. You may be seeing us for dental cleanings and checkups more frequently and you have to be extra diligent about your daily brushing and flossing.
There’s one other thing you may need to do: change your diet. Some of the foods you may be eating could work against you in your fight against gum disease. At the same time, increasing your intake of certain foods could boost your overall oral health.
The biggest culprits in the first category are carbohydrates, which make up almost half the average diet in the Western world, mainly as added sugar. Although carbohydrates help fuel the body, too much can increase inflammation—which also happens to be a primary cause of tissue damage related to gum disease.
Of course, we can’t paint too broad a brush because not all carbohydrates have the same effect on the body. Carbohydrates like sugar or processed items like bakery goods, white rice or mashed potatoes quickly convert to glucose (the actual sugar used by the body for energy) in the bloodstream and increase insulin levels, which can then lead to chronic inflammation. Complex or unprocessed carbohydrates like vegetables, nuts or whole grains take longer to digest and so convert to glucose slowly—a process which can actually hinder inflammation.
Eating less of the higher glycemic (the rate of glucose conversion entering the bloodstream) carbohydrates and more low glycemic foods will help reduce inflammation. And that’s good news for your gums. You should also add foods rich in vitamins C and D (cheese and other dairy products, for instance) and antioxidants to further protect your oral health.
Studies have shown that changing to a low-carbohydrate, anti-inflammatory diet can significantly reduce chronic inflammation in the body and improve gum health. Coupled with your other efforts at prevention, a better diet can go a long way in keeping gum disease at bay.
If you would like more information on the role of diet in dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Carbohydrates Linked to Gum Disease.”

Although oral cancer isn't the most prevalent among metabolic diseases, it is one of the most deadly with only a 50% survival rate after five years. That's because it can be difficult to detect in its early stages when treatment is most effective.
That's why prevention to reduce your chances of oral cancer is so important. Many people know quitting tobacco products, including smokeless varieties, and moderating alcohol consumption are key to any prevention strategy. But there's one other factor you should also consider: your diet.
We've learned quite a bit in the last few decades about how certain foods we eat contribute to the cancer disease process. Cancer seems to originate when elements in the body or environment (known as carcinogens) damage DNA, our unique genetic code, on the cellular level. For example, a class of chemicals called nitrosamines is a known carcinogen: we often encounter it in the form of nitrites used to preserve meat (like bacon or ham) or as byproducts in beer, seafood or cheese.
Another form of carcinogen is the unstable molecules produced during normal cellular function called free radicals. But our bodies have a natural neutralizer for free radicals called antioxidants. We obtain these substances in our food in the form of vitamins and minerals. While you can also ingest these in the form of supplements, the best way to obtain them is through a diet rich in plant-based food, particularly fruits and vegetables.
So in addition to lifestyle changes like quitting tobacco or moderating alcohol consumption, make sure your diet is a healthy and nutritious one. Limit your intake of processed foods (especially meats) and increase your portions of fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
And don't neglect practicing effective brushing and flossing each day, along with regular dental cleanings and checkups. All of these healthy practices will greatly decrease your chances for life-threatening oral cancer.
If you would like more information on preventing oral cancer, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Diet and Prevention of Oral Cancer.”

The food we eat not only provides us energy, but it also supplies nutrients to help the body remain healthy. The most important of these nutrients are minerals and tiny organic compounds called vitamins.
While all of the thirteen known vitamins and eleven minerals play a role in overall health, a few are especially important for your mouth. For example, vitamins D and K and the minerals calcium and phosphorus are essential for strong teeth. Another mineral, fluoride, helps fortify enamel, which can deter tooth decay.
Other vitamins and minerals serve as antioxidants, protecting us against molecules called free radicals that can damage cellular DNA and increasing our risk of cancer (including oral). Vitamins C and E and the mineral selenium fall into this category, as well as zinc for DNA repair.
We acquire these nutrients primarily in the foods we eat. But for certain people like older adults or pregnant or nursing women a healthy diet may not be enough. Any person who can't get enough of a particular vitamin or mineral should take a supplement to round out their nutritional needs.
If you don't have a condition that results in a nutrient deficiency, you may not see that much benefit from taking a supplement. In fact, taking too much of a dietary supplement could harm your health. For example, some studies have shown ingesting too much supplemental Vitamin E could increase the risk of heart failure or gastrointestinal cancer. And some dietary supplements can interact poorly with drugs like blood thinners or ibuprofen.
The best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body — and mouth — needs is to eat a healthy diet. Dairy products like fortified milk are a good way to get vitamin D, as well as calcium and phosphorus. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of Vitamin C. And while you can take in fluoride from toothpaste or other oral hygiene products, you'll also find it in seafood and tea.
While good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are necessary for dental health, your diet can also make a difference. Be sure you're getting all the nutrients your teeth and gums need.
If you would like more information on the role of diet in oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Vitamins & Dietary Supplements.”
Our Office
Edward C. Joseph, D.D.S.
Burbank, CA 91505
Our Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- January (6)
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
- Orthodontics Could be in Your Smile Makeover Plan
- Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
- Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
- Enhance Your Smile for that Special, Once-in-a-Lifetime Day
- 2018
- December (6)
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
- New Year, New Smile
- Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- November (6)
- Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
- Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
- 4 Things to Know About Diabetes and Gum Health
- Dentures are Still a Viable Choice for Tooth Replacement
- Cosmetic Gum Surgery Can Help Restore Lost Tissues Around Teeth
- Gum Surgery Can Improve Your Smile and Save Your Teeth
- October (6)
- Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
- Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
- Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
- 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
- How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- September (6)
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- FAQs for National Gum Care Month
- Have Your Child's Chronic Mouth Breathing Checked to Avoid Bite Problems
- Look After Your Teeth During Cancer Treatment to Avoid Dental Disease
- August (6)
- Recreational Marijuana Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- What to do if Your Child has a Toothache
- World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
- Can't Afford Dental Implants? Consider Partial Dentures
- Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
- July (7)
- The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking Around Age 3
- You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- Don't Take a Vacation From Oral Hygiene This Summer!
- We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
- Tips to Brighten Your Summer Smile
- June (6)
- Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
- What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
- Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Gum Infection Around Tooth Roots Calls for Immediate Action
- 2017
- December (5)
- Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
- Living with HIV includes Keeping a Close Watch on Your Oral Health
- 3 Ways You Can Help Your Child Feel at Home at the Dentist
- Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
- Air Abrasion Could be a More Pleasant Alternative to the Dental Drill
- May (5)
- Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Techniques for Keeping Impacted Canine Teeth from Spoiling Your Smile
- We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
- Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
- April (5)
- An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- Plan Ahead to Make Your Smile the Best it can be for Your Big Day!
- Practice Proactive Prevention to Enhance Your Child's Dental Development
- You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
- January (5)
- Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
- Get Control of Dry Mouth to Protect Your Dental Health
- Restore a Flawed Tooth in as Little as One Visit with Composite Resin
- You Should Brush and Floss Around Your Implant to Ensure its Longevity
- Keep a Lookout for These Soft Tissue Conditions in the Mouth
- 2016
- November (5)
- 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
- Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- September (5)
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
- Lasers Adding New Precision and Efficiency to Root Canal Treatments
- Treating "Burning Mouth" Depends on What's Triggering it
- Take These Measures to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk
- June (5)
- Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
- Root Canal Treatment Alleviates Pain and Saves Your Tooth
- 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
- Teens Benefit Most from A Temporary Solution to Missing Teeth
- The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
- May (5)
- Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
- Here's What to Do if Your Child has a Toothache
- Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
- Sedation Therapy can reduce Anxiety in Children during Dental Visits
- Weigh a Poor Smile's Emotional and Social Cost when Considering Restorations
- March (5)
- Removable Dentures Remain a Viable Option for People with Total Tooth Loss
- Erosion and Other Problems may be Signs of Bulimia
- Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Test Out Your Future Look With a 'Trial Smile'
- 2015
- December (5)
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- Saliva Performs Many Functions for Both Oral and General Health
- Three Considerations for Working with Your Dentist on Your Smile Makeover
- Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
- 2014
- August (5)
- Dental Hygienist - Your Partner in Preventing Disease and Maintaining Oral Health
- Major Benefits for Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
- Replace Missing Teeth to Prevent Other Teeth From Moving Out of Place
- Taking Precautions Before, During and After Implants Will Help Ensure Success
- Conscious Sedation can Make Your Child's Dental Visit More Pleasant
- 2013
- December (5)
- Do Clear Orthodontic Aligners Really Work?
- Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
- Monitoring Blood Pressure is Important for Both Your General and Oral Health
- Consider all the Cost Factors When Deciding on a Crown Restoration
- New Permanent Teeth - Faster Than Ever!
- October (5)
- Are You an Athlete? Here Are Five Reasons You Should Wear a Mouthguard
- Dental Implant Maintenance: 5 Facts You Should Know
- Advances in Clear Aligners Make Them a Viable Choice for More Teens
- Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2012
- August (7)
- Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
- American's Obsession With Bad Breath
- Top 5 Advantages of Dental Implants
- Factors that Can Influence a Dental Implant
- Early Orthodontic Care Helped Child Star Nolan Gould Get Ready for Prime Time
- Child Star Nolan Gould Talks About Tooth Extractions, Orthodontic Treatment
- How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
- 2011
Tags
- cosmetic dentistry (50)
- smile makeover (30)
- periodontal (gum) disease (6)
- common symptoms (9)
- oral hygiene (36)
- oral health (88)
- diabetes (4)
- laser dentistry (4)
- crowns (5)
- dental health tips (2)
- dental implants (34)
- pediatric dentistry (36)
- age one dental visit (1)
- first dental appointment (1)
- tooth decay (15)
- x-rays (4)
- wedding day smiles (2)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- loose dentures (3)
- dentures (7)
- overdenture (2)
- tmd (4)
- tmj (4)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- sleep (1)
- fillings (8)
- cambra (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- thumb sucking (5)
- clear orthodontic aligners (4)
- orthodontics (10)
- invisalign (3)
- root canal (11)
- braces (7)
- root planing (2)
- celebrity smiles (4)
- dental implant (2)
- dental injuries (9)
- chipped tooth (4)
- bonding (5)
- veneers (5)
- sealants (2)
- snoring and sleep apnea (3)
- teeth whitening (14)
- bone grafting (2)
- missing teeth (3)
- chewing gum (1)
- xylitol (1)
- bad breath (6)
- dental injury (6)
- dental emergency (3)
- medication (3)
- aspirin (2)
- tooth wear (2)
- sedation dentistry (7)
- oral sedation (3)
- dental anxiety (2)
- bleeding gums (3)
- periodontal disease (15)
- gum disease (38)
- sinus pain (1)
- smile (1)
- heart disease (1)
- gingivitis (1)
- inflammation (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- pregnancy (2)
- brushing (1)
- fluoride (2)
- tooth decay quiz (1)
- dental hygienist (2)
- baby teeth (2)
- mouthguards (5)
- sports dentistry (4)
- tooth colored fillings (4)
- oral cancer (10)
- dental emergencies (3)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- bleaching (1)
- discolored teeth (1)
- stained teeth (1)
- dry mouth (5)
- chipped teeth (2)
- mouthguard (2)
- genetics (1)
- clear aligners (3)
- dental fillings (1)
- mouth rinse (1)
- teething (6)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- toothache (5)
- overdentures (1)
- endodontics (1)
- cleaning (1)
- gluten (1)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- crown (2)
- blood pressure (1)
- wedding day smile (2)
- loose teeth (1)
- whitening (1)
- floss (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- dental appliance (1)
- dental cleanings (1)
- nutrition (9)
- smoking (5)
- partial denture (4)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- cold sore (1)
- sugar (1)
- sinus surgery (2)
- orthodontic treatment (6)
- space maintainer (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- topical fluoride (2)
- dental care (1)
- jaw pain (3)
- tooth extraction (2)
- saliva (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- smile design (2)
- bulimia (1)
- removable dentures (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- root canal treatment (8)
- crown lengthening (2)
- seniors (1)
- gummy smiles (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- air abrasion (2)
- extractions (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- shingles (1)
- plaque (1)
- adult braces (1)
- hiv (1)
- oral heath (1)
- bone loss (1)
- bruxism (1)
- night guard (1)
- periodontist (1)
- gum recession (3)
- teeth grinding (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- cancer (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- GERD (1)