DENTAL WELLNESS

Both physicians and dentists often are both guilty of staying too much in our own lanes when it comes to overall wellness. Our mouth is not separate from the rest of our body, as our medical system has historically treated it. Kisling Family Dentistry promotes a whole-body oral-systemic assessment to achieving oral health, emphasizing the fact that the health of the mouth reflects in someone’s overall health, and vice versa. Oral hygiene with proper brushing and flossing, as well as avoiding tobacco products is critical, but oftentimes we tend to ignore the other common causes of poor oral health. Systemic nutrition, gut health, saliva flow and mouth pH, tongue and airway size, nasal breathing, and tooth and jaw position all affect how healthy our mouths are, but also how overall healthy we are! It is easy to say “stop eating candy and floss your teeth”, but there are so many additional factors that contribute to cavities, gum disease, TMJ pain, teeth grinding, snoring, and sleep apnea.


Many of these issues are circular in nature, and the result of one is the cause of another. It is essential that we evaluate the whole person to identify the root of the issues to achieve our best health. We all know that what we eat directly affects our overall health. But did you know that poor nutrition can also lead to dental problems? At Kisling Family Dentistry, we believe in taking a proactive approach to dental care, which is why we offer nutritional counseling services to all of our patients. Learn more about how poor nutrition can impact your oral health and what Dr. Rebecca Kisling can do to help you make healthier choices for your smile.

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How Nutrition Affects Oral Health

Your teeth and gums are constantly under attack from the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in the food you eat, producing acids as a byproduct. If these acids are not removed quickly enough, they can begin to break down the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth decay. 


In addition, some studies have shown that there is a link between certain nutritional deficiencies and gum disease. For example, people who do not get enough vitamin C are more likely to develop gingivitis, while those who do not get enough vitamin D are at an increased risk for periodontitis.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES

If you are concerned about how your diet is impacting your oral health, our team can help. We will sit down with you and go over which foods to avoid and which foods will promote healthy teeth and gums. We can also provide you with information on which supplements to take if we feel you may be deficient in certain vitamins or minerals. 


In addition, we can help you develop healthy eating habits that will benefit both your oral and overall health. For example, we may recommend that you avoid snacking throughout the day or brush your teeth immediately after eating sugary foods.


Don’t wait until dental problems arise to start thinking about nutrition—proactive measures like nutritional counseling can go a long way in preventing dental problems before they start. Contact Kisling Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dentists. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!

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