Dentist Recommended Healthy Snacks

The phrase “you are what you eat” has affected the diets of many individuals, and it is true that the food you choose to eat influences your overall wellbeing. Dentists often suggest avoiding sugary, sticky, or hard foods to protect the health of your teeth.

There are various foods you can snack on that can improve your oral health as well. The dental team at Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Cary, NC provides three snack options that are dentist-recommended and healthy for your teeth.

teeth healthy snacks in Cary North Carolina

Yogurt

Dairy products like yogurt contain high levels of calcium, which is known to strengthen tooth enamel. This allows your teeth to be more capable of resisting tooth decay and other dental concerns.

Yogurt contains probiotics, which can balance bacteria throughout your body. This can potentially lower your risk for infections, including gum disease.

If possible, you should avoid dairy products with added sugar because sugar interacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic. The acidity then eats away at tooth enamel, which leaves your teeth vulnerable to many dental issues.

Leafy Vegetables

Lettuce, kale, spinach, and other leafy vegetables contain many nutrients that are good for your overall wellness, especially oral health. Like dairy, they contain high amounts of calcium that can fortify your tooth enamel.

The chewing involved in eating these products increases saliva production in your mouth. This lowers your risk of dry mouth and helps to rinse bacteria and lingering food particles from your teeth, keeping them clean and healthy.

Apples

Apples famously “keep the doctor away,” but a dentist will be pleased if you eat them too. This fruit is a healthy snack choice if you are craving something sweet.

The natural sugars in apples do not become acidic in the mouth like added sugar. They can neutralize the acid in your mouth to lower the risk of damage to tooth enamel.

Fruits like apples can rehydrate you too, countering the negative effects associated with dry mouth. The firm texture of apples can help clear plaque and other materials from your teeth, which can improve oral hygiene and inherently your oral health.

Learn More from Your Dentist in Cary, NC

Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers general dentistry, both preventative and emergency care, to patients in Cary, NC. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 919.246.4620.