Patient Services ~ Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for good physical health. Nutrition also plays a key role in the development and maintenance of a healthy mouth, especially the teeth and gums. The food we eat affects our teeth. At the same time, the health or lack of health of our teeth and gums affects what we can eat. Good dental health begins early in life and must be practiced throughout life.

Quick Facts:

• See your dentist regularly.
• Brush and floss teeth at least once a day -- after each meal or snack is best.
• In areas with low fluoride in the water, use a toothpaste or mouthwash containing fluoride.
• Limit foods high in simple carbohydrates or very sticky; snack wisely.
• Good dental health begins early in life.
• To prevent "nursing bottle syndrome," never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle.

We have put together some additional information on staying healthy.
This is part of Parker Dental Associates' commitment to you!

~10 Commandments of Great Health~

1st Commandment
Thou shall eat less fat than thy neighbor. Go from the average of 82g of fat a day down to 50 grams (recommended 30% guideline, on the conservative side). Fat is the number one dietary factor in heart disease and cancer in the U.S.

2nd Commandment
Thou shall exercise more than thy neighbor. Only 15% of U.S. exercises 3 times a week.

3rd Commandment
Thou shall weigh less than thy neighbor. 55% of the U.S. is currently overweight!

4th Commandment
Thou shall floss or get a good pair of dentures. Periodontal disease may increase risk of heart disease, premature births, diabetes, and other health problems.

5th Commandment
Thou shall get thy Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio to 3.5 or less. Have your physician measure it.

6th Commandment
Thou shall eat more, yes more, whole-wheat carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. (See The Latest Fad Diets for more information.)

7th Commandment
Thou shall not use tobacco products. They are the cause of the #1 preventable health problem in the U.S. You can never eat so well as to overcome the negative impact that tobacco has on your health.

8th Commandment
Thou shall eat a diet moderate or low in sugar. One Coke or Pepsi has the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar per can. Soft drink consumption is currently 50 gallons per year for every man, woman and child in the U.S. That's almost a 100% increase in the last 20 years.

9th Commandment
Thou shall drink good tasting water. Get at least eight 8 oz cups per day. Bottled spring water or distilled often tastes a lot better than tap water.

10th Commandment
Thou shall eat a variety of foods. There is no perfect food. There is no such thing as junk food. It's how often and how much of anything you eat that matters. Moderation is the foundation upon which nutrition and good health are built.

Are you making healthy choices at fast food restaurants?
Check out the Fast Food Hall of Fame and the Fast Food Hall of Shame