We know eating healthy can help keep our bodies in shape, but did you know your diet can also affect your oral health? Certain foods can damage your teeth in various ways. Let’s take a look at how food can affect your smile.
Eating for Stronger and Healthier Teeth
Your teeth are an essential part of everyday life. Out teeth weaken without proper nutrition, and the following foods may help strengthen your teeth:
- Calcium rich foods. Your teeth are made from bone, and bone needs calcium to thrive. Try cheese, milk, plain yogurt, almonds, and spinach.
- Foods with phosphorus. This mineral can also strengthen your teeth and is present in eggs, fish, and beans.
Keeping your teeth strong and stable also means keeping your gums healthy:
- Foods with vitamin C, like peppers, strawberries, and citrus fruits, can give your gums a healthy boost.
Giving Your Teeth a Better Chance
It’s not just brushing and flossing that clean your teeth and give your mouth a healthy boost. Let’s take a look at a few foods that can improve your oral health.
Fibrous Foods for Cleaner Teeth
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are high in fiber and can prevent cavities and gum disease. Fiber also increases saliva production, which keeps decay off of your teeth. Dairy products also help with saliva production.
Chewing on Sugarless Chewing Gum
Chewing gum not only stimulates saliva production, but it gets small food particles out of your mouth.
Foods to Avoid That Can Cause Damage to Your Teeth
Most people know that sticky candy isn’t good for your teeth. Try to limit suckers, caramels, and hard candies. Starchy foods like white bread and potato chips can also stick to the inside of your mouth. Sugary drinks not only contain sugar, but the acid also damages the enamel on your teeth.
Eating for a Whiter and Brighter Smile
Certain foods can either help clean or cause staining of your teeth.
For whiter teeth, eat more of the following foods:
- Strawberries.
- Apples.
- Celery.
- Carrots.
- Pineapple.
- Papaya.
- Milk.
These foods have components that fight decay and work against particles that stain your teeth.
In addition, you may want to avoid the following foods:
- Tomato sauces.
- Dark fruit juice.
- Red wine.
- Coffee.
- Black tea.
- Curries.
- Dark berries.
- Cola.
If you do consume these foods, be sure to brush and floss your teeth right after eating or drinking.
For More Information and Dental Education, Call Us Today!
We love our patients and we can help you have a happy, healthy smile. Call us today to schedule your appointment!