You’ve been told since you were a small child that your diet can affect your teeth, but you’ve probably only heard about the negative side of things. Sugar is bad, acidic foods are bad, etc…Doesn’t it ever go the other way? Aren’t their foods that are actually good for your teeth? Yes there are, and eating them often will help keep your smile bright and healthy just like brushing and flossing. What are they? Your dentist in Lincoln, NE at Pioneer Greens Dentistry is going to share the top 5, and tell you exactly why they are great for your teeth.
1. Water
The health benefits of drinking water just seem to be endless, right? When it comes to your teeth, water is the best way to stay hydrated that doesn’t expose you to sugar like with sodas and juices. It also gives your teeth and gums a nice rinse, removing excess sugar and food particles. This is a great substitute if you don’t have time to brush throughout the day. Plus, tap water (not bottled) is often fluoridated, meaning that it literally strengthens your teeth whenever you drink it.
2. Dairy Products
Foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus that can help strengthen your enamel. The minerals naturally stick to your teeth when you eat them, restoring what plaque takes away, and this directly fights cavities. They also stimulate saliva production, which is an important way your mouth helps fight naturally occurring bacteria that can cause tooth decay. If you’re lactose intolerant, many kinds of soymilk also have added calcium.
3. Celery
In addition to being healthy for your body in general, celery is good for your teeth because it practically scrubs them while you eat it. Celery is quite fibrous, so it usually requires more chewing, and this allows the texture to rub up against your teeth and remove plaque.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are full of anti-oxidants and vitamin C, which contribute to the overall health of your mouth. They also have something called malic acid, and it helps whiten your teeth while also breaking down plaque and tartar. A few strawberries a day for a healthy snack is a great way to keep your teeth feeling and looking their best.
5. Animal Protein
Meats such as chicken and beef contain phosphorus. Your teeth are partially made of phosphorus, so when you eat animal protein, it helps augment them by adding back precious minerals. If you’re a vegetarian, tofu is a good option as well, plus it usually has calcium and magnesium in addition to the phosphorus.
Any Questions?
You probably eat some of these foods every day, and adding in a few of the others shouldn’t be too hard. Of course, eating the right foods aren’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, so keep up that routine as well. Between your home care and healthy diet, your next visit to see your dentist in Lincoln should be quick and easy.
If you’d like to know about more foods that can help your teeth, or other little tips to take care of them every day, please give us a call.