Nutrition and Your Teeth

It has long been known that good nutrition and a well-balanced diet is one of the best defenses for your oral health. Providing your body with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals helps your teeth and gums—as well as your immune system—stay strong and ward off infection, decay and disease.

Harmful acids and bacteria in your mouth are left behind from eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. These include carbonated beverages, some kinds of fruit juices, and many kinds of starch foods like pasta, bread and cereal.

Children's Nutrition and Teeth


Good eating habits that begin in early childhood can go a long way to ensuring a lifetime of good oral health.

Children should eat foods rich in calcium and other kinds of minerals, as well as a healthy balance of the essential food groups like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, poultry and meat. Fluoride supplements may be helpful if you live in a community without fluoridated water, but consult with our office first. (Be aware that sugars are even found in some kinds of condiments, as well as fruits and even milk.)

Allowing your children to eat excessive amounts of junk food (starches and sugars)—including potato chips, cookies, crackers, soda, artificial fruit rollups and granola bars—only places them at risk for serious health problems, including obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes. The carbonation found in soda, for example, can actually erode tooth enamel. Encourage your child to use a straw when drinking soda; this will help keep at least some of the carbonated beverage away from the teeth.

Adult Nutrition and Teeth

There's no discounting the importance of continuing a healthy balanced diet throughout your adult life.

Dr. Robert N. Marley, D.D.S., RETIRING After 46 Years Of Caring For The People of Clay and surrounding Counties

Dr. Robert N. Marley has practiced as a general dentist in Flora since 1977, announced his retirement. His dental office, located, at 121 West Second Street, will close with his retirement, on June 26. Those who would like a copy of their dental record must come to his office and sign a release form before June 26. There is no charge for making the copy.

Dr. Marley thanks his wonderful patients for the trust, loyalty, and friendship they have shown him during the past 46 years. He thanks them for choosing him to take care of the dental needs of them and their families.

Any questions should be directed to his office. The phone number is (618) 662-4151.