Do you want to spend 2017 enjoying better oral health than you have in the past? If so, you may be wondering what more you can do to help protect your teeth from cavities. The great news is that cavity prevention and preventive dental care in general, isn’t complicated or even time-consuming. Simply by making smart choices on a daily basis, and seeing your dentist a few times a year, you can help to keep your smile cavity-free and generally healthy!

1.    Eat a Healthy Diet and Drink Plenty of Water

One often-overlooked way to protect the smile is by eating a healthy diet, one that is rich in vitamins and minerals, and low in sugar. This is actually essential to one’s overall health, including the teeth and gums.

Why? Bacteria in the mouth feed upon sugars, so the more of them you consume, the more likely you are to struggle with dental decay. To help protect your teeth and gums, it’s best to stick to a diet comprised mostly of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Of course, it is equally important to avoid items that contain a lot of sugar. This should include obvious sweets and treats, but also packaged goods that list sugar as one of the main ingredients. Many beverages, including sodas, sweetened teas, and even many fruit juices are also surprisingly high in sugar, so be aware of what you are drinking as well as eating.

Water is, of course, the healthiest drink you can choose. Water helps you produce saliva, which can help to prevent tartar buildup in between dental cleanings, so reach for H20 throughout the day to help keep your smile, and your body, in great shape!

In Need of Preventive Care?

Regular checkups can help you avoid cavities and other dental problems. You can schedule your next dental consultation or cleaning with Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA, today at (515) 244-9565.