Foods That Affect Your Dental Health
May 26, 2021 8:45 pmThe foods you eat have an impact on your oral health. Certain foods strengthen your teeth while others can increase your risk of damage and dental disease. Here’s a brief overview of foods that are good for your teeth and some that aren’t so good.
Tooth-Friendly Foods
Foods rich in nutrients are good for your body and your teeth. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are packed with vitamins like calcium and folic acid, which are great for your teeth and gums.
Fresh fruits and veggies like apples, pears, and cucumbers are also great because they contain a lot of fiber. Chewing fibrous foods encourages saliva production, which washes away the plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Other tooth-friendly foods include plant-based milks fortified with calcium, nuts, yogurt, real cheese, and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Damaging Foods
Acidic and sugary foods and drinks can cause damage to your teeth over time. While you can’t and shouldn’t completely avoid all foods that contain acid and carbohydrates, you should consume certain kinds in moderation. Excessive consumption of these can increase your risk of plaque, tooth decay, and cavities.
For example, fruit juice, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits are high in acid as well as sugar. Candy can cause a lot of problems because you tend to keep pieces in your mouth for a long time and they’re often sticky. Hard candies, gummies, and sugary gum are worse than chocolate-based candy. Potato chips and white bread also get stuck in your teeth, feeding harmful mouth bacteria. If you partake in these foods, rinse your mouth out well with water and chew a piece of sugar-free gum for several minutes (if you don’t have any jaw issues).
Combining a Balanced Diet with Routine Dental Care
Eating well, brushing, and flossing every day are all part of taking care of your dental health. Additionally, visit the dentist every six months! At Riverstone Dental Care, we perform routine exams and professional cleanings that help keep your smile healthy.
If you have any questions about how your diet might be affecting your oral health, don’t hesitate to ask! We offer comprehensive dental services in Canton, GA, from general dentistry to periodontal to cosmetic. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office.
Categorised in: Oral Health