Foods that Are Good for the Teeth
Proper oral hygiene is absolutely essential to having healthy teeth and gums. But did you know that the foods you eat can also have an impact on your oral health? In fact, a poor diet can affect the appearance and health of your smile, even if your brush and floss regularly.
The team at Artistic Expressions Dentistry offers patients in and around Doylestown, Bucks County, and Philadelphia, PA ample advice on oral hygiene and good health practices. Here, skilled dentist Dr. Bruce Wilderman explores several foods that are good for the teeth, as well as some foods that you should avoid.
Dairy Products
You may have heard that milk gives you strong bones and teeth. This is partially true. The calcium and magnesium in milk provides your body with the building blocks for healthy teeth and bones. Additionally, the protein, calcium, and phosphorus found in cheese provide the foundations for strong teeth.
If you prefer not to consume dairy products, there are suitable dairy-free substitutes available. Consuming soy milk and almond milk is a great way to maintain healthy teeth.
Vegetables and Fiber-Rich Foods
Vegetables like carrots and celery are great for your teeth. The stringiness of celery acts like a natural floss, getting in between your teeth to remove food remnants. In general, anything with fiber is great for teeth, as well as for your digestive system. Beans, seeds, and leafy greens are also a good idea, as they are rich in vitamins and minerals essential for good oral health.
Natural Fluoride Sources
Fluoride is great for your teeth, and it can be found in many natural sources. Foods that are high in fluoride include:
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Spinach
- Grapes
- Potatoes
Which Beverages Are Good for the Teeth?
Proper hydration will keep your mouth in good shape. A number of beverages also contain fluoride. Black tea is one good source. We recommend drinking fluoridated water, which is common in many cities all over the country.
While not a source of fluoride, green tea has shown a number of general health and oral health benefits.
Avoid Sugar
Sugar is your teeth’s worst enemy. The bacteria living in your mouth love it, which is why we want to limit our sugar intake. The acid expelled by sugar-feasting bacteria can erode your teeth.
Opt for water over sugary beverages. There are a lot of sugar-free options out there, and your overall health will be better off with a low-sugar diet.
Avoid Acidic Beverages
Take caution with highly acidic drinks like soda. Acids will slowly eat away at tooth enamel, weakening tooth structure in the process. When consuming soda, lemonade, or anything with a high acid or sugar content, we recommend rinsing your mouth out with plain water immediately afterwards. This at least washes away some of the offending substances, keeping your teeth strong and happy until you can brush again.
Contact Us for More Information
If you have any more questions regarding which foods are good for teeth, we would love to answer them. We encourage you to go online to schedule an appointment today or give our team a call at (215) 340-1199.
