Oral Health, Nutrition, and Exercise – Supporting Your Smile from the Inside Out
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, we don’t just focus on teeth—we focus on you. That means recognizing the powerful connection between oral health and your overall well-being. What you eat, how you move, how you hydrate—it all plays a role in keeping your smile strong and your body healthy.
As part of our commitment to whole-patient care, we offer guidance on nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle habits to help you protect your oral health for the long haul. Because when you take care of your body, your smile follows.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. In fact, many systemic health conditions begin with or are affected by oral health issues. Gum disease, for example, has been linked to:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Respiratory infections
- Poor pregnancy outcomes
This is why we encourage our patients to think of their dental visits as part of their overall health strategy, not just a standalone service. Prevention starts with the choices you make every day—from the food on your plate to the way you move your body.
Nutrition and Your Oral Health
What you eat fuels more than just your body—it fuels your smile. A well-balanced diet supports healthy teeth, strong gums, and a resilient immune system. At your visit, we’re happy to share personalized oral health nutrition tips that help you:
Support Tooth Enamel
Foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D—like dairy, leafy greens, nuts, and eggs—help remineralize and protect enamel.
Prevent Gum Disease
Vitamin C from citrus, berries, and peppers strengthens gum tissue and supports healing.
Neutralize Acids
Fibrous fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery stimulate saliva, which naturally neutralizes acid and protects enamel.
Limit Sugar and Acidic Foods
Frequent snacking on sugary or acidic foods (soda, juice, candy, chips) feeds bacteria that cause decay. We’ll help you create a more smile-friendly snacking strategy.
Hydration and Oral Health
Water is essential for your entire body—but it also plays a big role in keeping your mouth healthy.
Why Hydration Matters
Staying well-hydrated:
- Keeps your mouth moist
- Washes away food particles and bacteria
- Helps remineralize enamel
- Reduces the risk of dry mouth, which contributes to decay and bad breath
If you struggle with dry mouth due to medications or health conditions, we can recommend hydration strategies and oral care products to support comfort and protection.
Exercise and Oral Health
Staying active supports circulation, immune function, and stress reduction—all of which contribute to better oral health. Regular exercise may help:
- Reduce inflammation (linked to gum disease)
- Support healing after dental procedures
- Improve insulin sensitivity and reduce risk of diabetes-related dental issues
- Lower cortisol levels that can impact your body’s immune response
That said, some physical habits—like clenching your jaw during high-intensity workouts or consuming sugary sports drinks—can affect your smile. If you’re active, we’ll guide you on how to protect your teeth during and after exercise.
Healthy Habits, Lifelong Smiles
Our goal is to empower patients of all ages to make informed lifestyle choices that support both their body and their mouth. When you visit our Encinitas office, we may discuss:
- Nutrition for healthy teeth and gums
- Smart snack and meal ideas
- Hydration tips for dry mouth or high-performance lifestyles
- How exercise influences your oral and general health
- Healthy habit tracking and follow-up strategies
This isn’t about strict rules—it’s about realistic, sustainable changes that fit your life and goals.
A Personalized Approach to Total Wellness
As your trusted Encinitas family dentist, Dr. Gregory Skeens and our team believe in personalized, preventative care that goes beyond cleanings and exams. We take time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and goals—then provide thoughtful recommendations that support you holistically.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes, trying to improve your family’s diet, or just looking for ways to feel better day to day, we’re here to help you connect the dots between your smile and your well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Lifestyle-Based Dental Guidance?
We tailor our wellness-focused approach for a wide variety of patients, including:
- Busy adults juggling work, meals on-the-go, and fitness
- Seniors managing dry mouth, medications, or diet-related dental challenges
- Parents and children looking to build strong habits early
- Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or acid reflux
- Athletes who want to protect their teeth during training and recovery
Our local patients in Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and Olivenhain trust us to deliver not only quality dental care—but meaningful guidance for whole-body wellness.
The Encinitas Lifestyle Meets Whole-Health Dentistry
Here in Encinitas, we’re proud to be part of a health-conscious, active community. Whether you’re surfing in the morning, biking the coast, or shopping for fresh produce at the farmer’s market, your lifestyle already supports a healthier smile—and we’re here to help you take it even further.
Our team understands and celebrates that local connection. We offer guidance that fits your lifestyle and reflects our community’s shared values of wellness, prevention, and sustainability.
Let’s Talk About Your Health—Not Just Your Teeth
At your next appointment, feel free to ask about how your diet, hydration, or physical habits could be impacting your smile. We’re always happy to offer helpful, no-pressure tips you can apply right away.
Call Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry at 760-944-9288 to schedule your visit. Together, we’ll create a path to better oral and overall health—because a strong smile starts from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions – Oral Health, Nutrition, and Exercise
Can diet really affect my dental health?
Can diet really affect my dental health?
Does exercise help your oral health?
What are the best foods for strong teeth?
Should I avoid sports drinks?
Meet Your Encinitas Family Dentist
Gregory Skeens, D.D.S. – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.
Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.
Our Encinitas Dental Services
Tooth Extractions
Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Designed specifically for your smile and custom made in one visit.
Veneers
Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface.
Dental Bonding
Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food.
In-House Membership
Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services.
Visit Gregory Skeens D.D.S.
519 Encinitas Blvd (# 108)
Encinitas, CA 92024
We are located in the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.
Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews
Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care
During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles
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Administrative
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Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership
Insurance
Insurance
We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.
Financing
Financing
We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.
In-house Membership
In-house Membership
Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays
Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals
✓ The Highest Standards of Care
✓ Uncompromising Safety
✓ Training and Expertise
✓ Education and Prevention
