Dentist in Upland, CA – Healthy Eating & Oral Habit Tips

Many of us are staying at home with our families during the current crisis. While this is a difficult time for everyone, it can also offer the opportunity for families to cook more at home and eat meals together. You can use this time to create or maintain healthy eating habits as well as good oral health habits. Our dentist in Upland, CA, offers some tips for healthy eating and practicing good dental hygiene for families at home.

Healthy Eating Tips

Being home most of the time means having constant access to the kitchen, which may tempt you to eat more (especially junk food). To avoid overeating, make a schedule, and plan your meals ahead of time. An easy way to maintain a schedule is weekly meal prep: cook a large batch of healthy food at the beginning of the week, portion it into smaller containers, and eat those throughout the week. Some other tips for healthy eating:

Incorporate fruits and vegetables into every meal
Limit sugar; while it may be tempting to eat more treats when at home, reducing them helps prevent cavities and promotes healthy eating habits
Try new recipes with a focus on whole grains and fresh ingredients

To keep snacking in check, keep healthy foods on hand (braces-friendly, if you or your children have braces) such as:

Yogurt
Soft cheeses
Hummus and pita bread
Bananas
Berries
Steamed vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower

Practice Good Oral Health

If your schedule has slowed down as you stay inside, it should be easier to keep up on good oral hygiene. If you’ve had difficulty staying on top of flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash due to your busy schedule, take time for extra oral health care during these times. It’s a great way to practice self-care as well as prevent gum disease and cavities.