June is National Dental Health Month. Even though it’s no surprise to us, good dental health is tied heavily to good nutrition and overall health.

Taking care of your teeth is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to feel like it. Getting the right nutrition for your teeth and gums is just like getting the right nutrition for your body. Things you should remember about taking care of your teeth:

• Wheat, oats, corn and rice have a lot of Vitamin B, which strengthens gums and nerves.
• Fruits contain a lot of Vitamin C which can help fight off gum disease. You can find Vitamin C in tomatoes, oranges and grapefruits.
• Green vegetables have a lot of calcium in them, which improves tooth enamel. You can also find calcium in milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• The protein you can find in eggs, fish, beans and meat help the body repair itself and give you healthy gums.

It is also essential to get kids to understand that good nutrition for dental health is important, since good habits for health start at an early age. A good book to get them started on for developing these healthy habits (including taking care of their teeth), is “Oh, The Things You Can Do That Are Good For You!” A wonderful book set in a Dr. Suessian world, that has the Cat in the Hat leading two children through a world of good health and habits to help them out.  You can find this book in our catalog and at www.ncescatalog.com.  (Item # 3549)