It is not surprising to learn that many of the foods which are good for our overall health also can help improve our dental health. Likewise, many of the foods carrying an adverse effect on our bodies are also best avoided for your dental wellbeing. Things like candy, soda, and pastries are low in nutrients but high in carbohydrates. When you eat carbs, the bacteria in your mouth produce high levels of acid. The acid wreaks havoc on your tooth enamel and your gum health.
Fortunately, there are many tasty and readily available foods beneficial to your dental health. These include:
• DAIRY PRODUCTS- While many patients hear that dairy is a food that is good for teeth because of calcium and vitamin D, studies show that consuming cheese changes the pH in your mouth, helping to avoid cavities.
• NUTS- Aside from being full of protein, nuts also contain minerals necessary to build your oral health. Another benefit of nuts is that chewing them stimulates the production of saliva. Because saliva continually cleans your mouth, having more is a good thing. There is no reason for you to be concerned about small indulgences; a hand-full of nuts is a great snack.
• FRESH VEGETABLES- Many of us can remember being told to eat our vegetables because they would help us to grow healthy and strong. It turns out that veggies not only promote our overall wellbeing, they also work to keep our teeth in good shape. Much like the nuts, the crunch effect of raw vegetables helps to stimulate saliva. In turn, saliva helps wash away bacteria, sugars, and debris in our mouths. The vitamins found in vegetables also promote oral health.
Be sure to add these types of food to your diet so you can reap the benefits of health-conscious and dental health-conscious eating. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our dentist.
