The Health Department has turned the food pyramid on its head, emphasizing proteins, healthy fats, and plant-based foods over grains. This makes a lot of sense to me.
I always keep in mind, however, that in the 1950s some of the best science encouraged smoking during pregnancy as a way to reduce stress and avoid gaining weight. I love that as we learn more and more about how the body works, we can make adjustments that hopefully improve the quality of our lives.
One point of emphasis in the new food pyramid is eating foods that reduce inflammation and increase alkalinity in the body. Fatty fish, leafy vegetables, colorful fruits, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are known for reducing inflammation. They do this by producing compounds—omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants—that modulate the body’s inflammatory responses and neutralize free radicals.
Additionally, these foods, along with root vegetables, garlic and other herbs, broccoli, and asparagus, form alkaline byproducts after digestion that neutralize acids. Your body’s pH doesn’t vary much; it must stay within a tight range. When we see variations, we know something is seriously wrong. Kidney failure, diabetes, or lung dysfunction are all possible causes of a pH drop.
If your pH balance is off, it’s important to seek out a medical professional. Though we typically see wider pH ranges in the mouth, the same principles of alkalinity apply. The pathogenic bacteria in our mouths, those responsible for gum disease, periodontal disease, and tooth decay, thrive in an acidic environment. As they metabolize sugars, they produce more acid, which promotes further plaque formation and the destruction of oral hard and soft tissues.
The advice you’ll receive from a dentist is similar to that of a nutritionist: eat whole foods focusing on good proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and sugar—especially sugary drinks.
I recently placed a dental implant, and the patient commented that if he had been living in pioneer times, he would just have to settle for eating oatmeal the rest of his life. But our ancestors didn’t necessarily have the same struggles we do today, even without access to modern dentistry, because their diet was more natural and organic, and they didn’t consume sugar like we do.
Some of my friends are Diet Coke aficionados. Though this and other diet drinks are low in sugar, they are still very acidic. Don’t be seduced by the beautiful silver can with a red strip. Its pH ranges from 3.1 to 3.6. That’s acidic enough to damage enamel, which begins to occur at about 5. Even some oral rinses that are ADA approved drop below the pH level where damage can occur.
For that reason, I typically recommend (and use myself) over-the-counter rinses designed for kids. These rinses typically contain more fluoride and are less acidic.
Many set goals for self-improvement at the start of a new year. I hope we can include changes in our diets that will make 2026 our healthiest year yet.
Plumb Dental offers general dentistry for the entire family, including preventative care, root canals, implant restoration,
cosmetic work—even whole smile makeovers. To schedule an appointment, call (435) 673-9606 or visit their website at plumbdental.com.
Health and Fitness
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr William Plumb graduated from the State University of New York School of Dentistry in 2006. He opened Plumb Dental in St George in 2009. He has received extensive continuing education in cosmetic dentistry as well as oral surgery and implantology. He loves living in Southern Utah with his wife Kari and their four children.