Pella Family Dentist Says Alkaline Diet Improves Health and Reduces Gum Disease

Your body’s pH levels can affect your oral and overall health (oral-systemic health). Diabetes, strokes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and other conditions have been linked to periodontal disease (gum disease). Gum disease can be a gateway for heart disease, which tends to be a particular concern for most people, since the consequences of the condition can be life-threatening. Focusing your nutritional needs on healthy options can reduce inflammation. Your Pella family dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, explains how an alkaline diet that balances your pH can keep your gums and teeth healthy, thereby helping you take a bite out of heart disease.

Oral-Systemic Grocery Shopping

Whole foods are your best choice for achieving balanced pH levels. This will quickly decrease any inflammation in your mouth and body that will eventually lead to health problems. You’re not alone if you find yourself tempted to buy junk food. Planning will help you get around that and stick to a grocery list of mostly organic fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Try to become as plant-based as possible, and if you don’t want to give up meat completely, think of it as more of a condiment as opposed to a main course. Stay away from sugary carbonated beverages. Not only are they very acidic, which will lead to tooth enamel erosion, but sugar contributes to even more acid and cavities.

Sneak in Some Greens

Once you have your refrigerator and pantry brimming with fresh alkaline foods, a heart and tooth-healthy way to start your day is with a smoothie. Don’t just stick to your usual fruit based combination, however. Vegetables like zucchini, spinach, kale, carrots, collard greens, and cucumbers are just a few nutritious additions to a smoothie, and you’ll be amazed at how little of them you taste, once you get past the green color of your morning pick-me-up. Chock full of alkaline balancing nutrients, you’re sure to be contributing to strong and healthy gums, teeth, bones, and heart with all of those pH balancing nutrients and minerals.

Family Dentist in Pella

Dr. Jeffrey Allen, your family dentist in Pella, provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.