Plan Your Year: A Healthy Body, a Healthy Mouth

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight.  But what does that entail?  Do you go on a diet?  Exercise more?  Eat less junk?  The key to keeping your resolution on track is to make a plan that will get you to your goal.  Our Novato dentist and staff hope you are as excited for a great year as we are.  In fact, together we want to help you reach your end goal with success.

Did you know?

Did you know that the resolution you’ve made to lose weight has a great, positive effect on your oral health?  The healthy foods you eat on your way to a healthier you are rich in vitamins and minerals that your body and bones and teeth need to be at their best.

Fruits and Vegetables:  These healthy treats are loaded with vitamins C, A, and B-Complex along with a wealth of minerals.  Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen which is essential for great gums and tissue.  Vitamin A aids your digestive system by producing saliva which helps break down the food you eat so it is easier to digest and absorb into your body.

Proteins:  Lean red meat, chicken, and turkey are great sources of protein that your body breaks down to keep your bones, muscles, and teeth strong and healthy.  The added bonus is that proteins keep you feeling fuller longer so you aren’t tempted to snack on unhealthy foods.

Losing weight isn’t about following the most current diet craze.  It’s about eating the right foods.  Create a meal plan that is well-balanced with the nutrients you need.  Additionally, when you learn how to eat right, you’ll find that incorporating exercise into your routine is easy.

Exercise, Foods, and Oral Health

When your body is given the nutrients it needs to function properly, you’ll have much more energy throughout the day.  Exercise is the perfect outlet for this energy, be it a quick stroll around the block or a more physical endeavor.  Exercise invigorates you and gets the blood flowing.  This helps your tissues – including your gum tissue – remain healthy and reduces your risk of acquiring periodontal disease.

The biggest thing to remember about exercise, food, and your oral health is to consume sports drinks in moderation.  In fact, as your Novato dentist family, we’d prefer you hydrate with water.  Sports drinks contain a large amount of sugar that sticks to your teeth until you brush.  If you do drink these sports drinks to replenish electrolytes, rinse your mouth with water immediately after.  Water, on the other hand, flushes out the toxins in your body and helps your body digest the healthy foods you consume.

Achieve Your Goals with a Solid Plan

When you build a plan that incorporates sensible nutrition and exercise, you will have the building blocks to accomplish the New Year’s resolution that you established for yourself.  The improvements you make in your daily routine will extend to your oral health as well.  Our Novato dentist can help you maximize your results starting with a dental exam.  Our Cosmetic Dentistry solutions also can brighten your smile so the healthy new you can be accessorized with a brilliant, bright healthy smile.

We look forward to helping you attain your goal and invite you to join our Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest health tips regarding oral health.