Happy Teeth-safe Food Month! Food is one of the most important aspects of our lives and affects our well-being in numerous ways. Your oral health is no exception! Being knowledgeable about which foods are good and which are destructive for your teeth is essential to maintaining a healthy and bright smile.
Cavities, one of the most infamous oral issues, can be directly caused by what we eat. One of the most common causes of cavities is the consumption of refined sugar. When we eat it, refined sugar is broken down by bacteria and turned into acid, which will dissolve the tooth enamel. The frequency of sugar consumption is actually more detrimental to your oral health than the amount of sugar you consume in one sitting because of this. So what are some of the best ways to still indulge in your favorite sugary snacks while keeping your teeth healthy?
- Avoid having sugar in your mouth for an extended time. Some examples of this are soda and candies you suck on, such as lollipops. If you want to enjoy a sugary snack, a quick dessert like a piece of cake or pie is much better. When you are eating something quickly, the saliva in your mouth will be hard at work washing the debris away.
- If you want to snack, find substitutes! Many delicious snacks are much better for your teeth than candy and sweets but can still satisfy your cravings for something tasty! Try snacking on berries or yogurt – they are both sweet and good for your teeth!
- Eat sweets at a time you know you will brush soon afterward. Most people will brush their teeth pretty soon after eating a meal. Therefore, this is one of the best times to consume a sweet treat. If you’re snacking on sweets at a random time during the day, you are less likely to brush until later, and the sugar will have more time to sit on your teeth and will be more likely to damage them.
Having a balanced diet is very important for your oral health. The right foods will keep your teeth safe while also keeping your gums and bones in shape. Finding foods you enjoy that are also rich in vitamins is important. This is not that hard to do! Foods full of vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and calcium are some of the most beneficial options for healthy teeth and gums. Here are some of our top picks…
- Citrus. Whether you prefer fresh-squeezed orange juice or peeling and eating a clementine, citrus is delicious, rich in vitamin C, and perfect for keeping your soft mouth tissue healthy.
- Beans, seeds, and nuts. These three foods have endless uses and can enhance many meals. They also contain folic acid, which will strengthen the supporting soft tissue in your mouth.
- Dark green leafy vegetables. When people think of calcium, they usually think of milk. However, certain leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collard greens are chock full of calcium and will keep your teeth strong.
- Dairy. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt will kill two birds with one stone. They contain both calcium and vitamin B12, which are beneficial to the health of your gums and teeth!
- Meat. Meats such as chicken and fish are versatile and delicious. You can’t go wrong with either because there are so many ways to cook and season them! In addition to this, they contain vitamin B12, which is great for keeping your gums healthy.
Food allergies are common. Fortunately, though, most of the food items listed above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to food that protects your oral health. You have countless choices and will never get bored! Making sure you eat a plethora of foods with the mentioned vitamins and minerals will improve your oral health and maximize your overall well-being. We can give you lots of healthy teeth tips on our blog, but it’s always better to come to visit us! Give us a call today at (940) 464-3500 to schedule a visit! Read our tips for a great wisdom teeth recovery.