Nutrition is at the core of human health. The differences in our metabolism, genetics, and biochemistry can contribute dramatically to our responses to nutrition. Learning about proper nutrition can help you make healthy choices that promote your well-being.
At LALA Dental in Lafayette, California, Dr. Meshkin offers personalized nutritional consultations to help power human individuality and determine nutrition strategies that can prevent, manage, and address disease and optimize health.
What Is Nutritional Consultation?
Nutritional consultation is an essential part of our comprehensive wellness plan at LALA Dental. It is vital to understand that nutrition is not the same as dieting. Nutrition therapy is a useful approach to help you live an overall healthier life. Our nutritional consultation involves assessing various health needs concerning your diet and exercise.
Why Is Nutritional Consultation Important?
Good nutrition plays an essential role in keeping your teeth healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
During your nutritional consultation, Dr. Meshkin will help you set and reach attainable health goals. To help determine a customized treatment plan, she will consider various factors like your lifestyle, dietary habits, stress levels, family history, environment, and many more.
The Importance of a Healthy, Nutritious Diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function, including vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal oral and overall health. If your mouth is not healthy, it can have an impact on the nutrition you receive from the foods you eat. If you eat right and maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you can help prevent many dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Best Foods for Oral Health
A healthy diet is essential for a healthy smile and body as a whole. Foods that are high in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, and phosphorus are great for your oral health. Additionally, foods that are high in antioxidants also help protect your gums and teeth from damage.
Some fruits to include in your diet are strawberries, blueberries, oranges, kiwis, cherries, pears, grapes, apples, and grapefruit. Vegetables are a rich source of vitamins and minerals as well. Include green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and spinach in your diet.
Non-starchy vegetables also have a high nutritional value and these include carrots, bell peppers, celery, cucumber, corn, eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, and tomato. Other healthy choices include almonds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, pistachios, peanuts, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole grain pasta, wheat bread, and whole wheat cereal.
When it comes to sugar, it’s also best to avoid it whenever possible. Opt for natural sweeteners instead, if possible.
Of course, you should also be mindful of how often you consume sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks. These can erode your tooth enamel and lead to cavities or tooth decay. You should also avoid drinking very acidic beverages like coffee, tea, and wine. If you do consume these beverages frequently, brush your teeth after doing so to mitigate the potential effect on your teeth.
Lastly, you should limit your consumption of sweets and refined carbohydrates like white bread and crackers.
Do Vitamin Deficiencies Affect Oral Health?
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy mouth, including calcium. A deficiency in vitamins A and D can weaken tooth enamel and cause decay. Other vitamins that are important for healthy teeth and gums include B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, and iron.
Eating a healthy diet can benefit not only your oral but also your overall health.
What to Expect During Your Nutritional Consultation?
When you come for your first nutritional consultation, Dr. Meshkin will ask about your goals and objectives. Dr. Meshkin will review your medical history and note any medications and supplements you are taking. She will discuss your diet, lifestyle habits, quality and quantity of sleep, energy levels, and physical activity.
Dr. Meshkin will plan a nutrition strategy that's right for you based on this information.
For comprehensive nutrition counseling, visit LALA Dental at 895 Moraga Rd Suite 6, Lafayette, CA 94549. You can also reach Dr. Meshkin in Lafayette, CA, at (925) 385-8858.
