What Do Your Food Choices Say About You?

The well known saying, “You are what you eat” emphasizes a simple, but important truth. The food and drink you choose to put into your mouth will directly affect the health of your body, including your smile.

National Nutrition Month—March 2013

This March marks the 40-year anniversary of National Nutrition Month, a yearly campaign that focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

This year, the theme is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.” It encourages personalized healthy eating styles, and recognizes that food preferences, lifestyle, cultural and ethnic traditions and health concerns all impact individual food choices.

The Oral Systemic Link

Studies reveal that approximately one-third of Americans are classified as obese. In large part, unhealthy food and beverage choices are contributing to this alarming statistic. Unfortunately, these same habits that contribute to health issues can also harm your oral health. In fact, several million Americans are currently suffering from the effects of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

In turn, treatment for numerous medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, orthopedic replacement, kidney disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy can be further complicated by bacteria caused by periodontal disease.

What are You Putting in Your Mouth?

To promote happy smiles and healthy bodies, there are some important factors to consider.

Limit your consumption of:

• Drinks loaded in sugar, including carbonated sodas.
• Non-nutritious snacks, including candies, cookies, and some starchy foods.
• Fast foods meals and processed foods high in calories.

Develop good eating habits that include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Eating a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including: whole grains; fruits; vegetables; lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish, dry beans, peas and other legumes; low-fat and fat-free dairy foods.

Make the health of your body and smile a priority. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and develop a good oral health routine, including visiting your dentist in Columbia, SC, regularly. We would love to be your partner in health! Please contact us today.

Share your secrets with us as to what you do to ensure that your family eats healthy and enjoys it.