Many of our patients ask us what they can do to take care of their teeth. While the traditional answers like brushing twice daily, flossing each day, and visiting our office regularly for cleanings and exams hold true, our patients are often surprised to learn that the food they eat has an affect on their oral health!
Not only does avoiding sugary, cavity-causing foods like soda and candy help preserve the health of your pearly whites, there are also many foods that can actually strengthen your teeth. Our team has come up with a list of 5 foods that we encourage you to add to your diet.
1. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard are often found at the top of lists of healthy foods. They contain a multitude of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants while also being low in calories. Next time you have a green smoothie, congratulate yourself on making a choice that strengthens your teeth while nourishing your body.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is something of a dental superfood. It is chock-full of calcium, a mineral that helps keep your teeth healthy and strong. Additionally, the probiotic quality of yogurt means that it contains beneficial bacteria that can improve the health of your gums and even fight bad breath.
3. Cheese
Who doesn’t love cheese? It’s delicious, it’s adaptable, and it helps lower your risk for tooth decay through several important qualities. It increases saliva production, which helps wash away potentially cavity-causing food particles, it increases the pH of your mouth, and it contains calcium and protein, nutrients that strengthen your teeth.
4. Almonds
Not only are almonds a tasty snack, they’re also high in protein and calcium and low in sugar. They strengthen the enamel of your teeth without any decay-causing sugar.
5. Celery
Celery is often referred to as nature’s toothbrush, as its crunchy texture and high fiber qualities make it the perfect food to scrape away food particles and bacteria. Next time you’re craving a crunch, skip the chips and reach for the celery. Your teeth and Dr. Brace will thank you.
Contact us today to ask our friendly team any other questions about the effects of your diet on your oral health or to schedule our next dental appointment!