March is National Nutrition Month! From Pediatric Dental Specialists

You might recall our last blog post, in which we discussed February being National Children's Dental Health Month. Well, March is here, and that can only mean one thing: National Nutrition Month®. Every March, our team at Pediatric Dental Specialists and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate National Nutrition Month. This March, Drs. Planells, Cortez and Sanchez want you to think obesity, diabetes and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health. Our team at Pediatric Dental Specialists know small changes can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet:

• Focus on fruits and veggies: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think local: From farmer’s markets here in southern California to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area.

• Make calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• Test your taste buds: Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new health favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

• Trick yourself with treats: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert instead. If you want a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself healthy, please give us a call!