|
Posted on 6/23/2018 by Michael Westendorf, DDS |
 If you want to have strong muscles, you need to have an adequate amount of protein in your diet. In fact, protein is even required to maintain a healthy smile. Find out why you need to increase your protein intake in order to support your oral health. What is Protein Used for in the Mouth?Protein serves an important role in the mouth. It is used to make up the tooth structure, and it also plays a role in mucosal and connective tissue development. Plus, protein is crucial when it comes to healthy immune function. Depending on the source, protein can also help with saliva production. For example, cheese is thought to increase saliva, which is important to keep your teeth healthy. Proper amounts of saliva are needed to wash away bacteria and acids before they can damage your teeth. What Type of Protein Should You Eat?When it comes to eating the protein that will support your oral health and your entire body, lean is always better. In addition to benefits for your mouth, lean protein is a better option for your heart, as it is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Skinless chicken breast, turkey, and beans are great sources of lean protein, but red meat isn't entirely out of the picture. Beef cuts like top sirloin and round steak are good choices, and if you want ground beef, select an option that is at minimum 90% lean. Even if you don't eat meat, there are still ways to get protein in your diet. Lentils, chai seeds, and quinoa are good options. You could also snack on hummus, Greek yogurt, or peanut butter for the same benefits. Don't let your oral health become compromised due to not getting enough protein. Schedule your appointment with us today to let us determine if your diet is supporting your oral health. |
Contact Information11147 Montgomery Rd Suite 100 Cincinnati, OH 45249-2383 (513) 489-5599 drmarkruther@gmail.com Follow Us |
