Good Food For Your Teeth

What you eat affects your oral and overall health. The most common dental issue that Americans face is tooth decay. The main cause of tooth decay is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth from food particles and bacteria. If the plaque is not removed properly, it will continue to build up in layers. Harmful bacteria live inside the plaque, and they use the sugars in the foods we consume to produce acids. The acids eat away at the enamel, causing it to erode.

While always important to brush and floss, eating sugary foods can increase the risk of cavities. Maintaining a healthy diet is also essential. You can include the following food items in your cart to have a healthy smile:

Cheese

Cheese is a tasty snack that is actually good for your teeth. It’s packed with calcium, which protects your teeth from tooth decay and cavities. It also helps restore minerals to your teeth, which boosts your enamel. Cheese is free of sugar, so you can chow down without worry.

Milk

Milk is great for your teeth. It contains calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These all help to keep your tooth enamel strong. They are also important for the health of your gums. However, be careful with how much you drink. Milk can be high in sugar, and that can increase your risk of tooth decay.

That means you should drink milk in moderation and brush your teeth twice a day. Along with that, you should visit your dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned and your overall health monitored.

Iceberg lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is a crunchy, watery vegetable and is one of the lowest-calorie foods you can eat. It is also one of the healthiest foods to include in your diet.

The water content in iceberg lettuce helps rinse food particles off the teeth as you chew. The vegetable also stimulates the production of saliva, which neutralizes acid and keeps the pH in your mouth balanced.

Celery

Celery is fibrous, which means it can help clean your teeth as you chew on them. The stringy fibers catch any food particles that might be lingering on your teeth. The fibers can also massage your gums, which is great for getting rid of plaque.

Because celery is fibrous, it can also act like a natural toothbrush. It can scrub your teeth, which helps remove stains. Also, they are low in calories. When you eat it, you’re not packing in any sugar.

Water

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest things you can do for your oral health. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food debris and bacteria. Fluoride is also found in water, and this mineral helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is actually good for your teeth. Eating a couple of squares of dark chocolate a day can help fight plaque and cavities. It also works as an antioxidant-rich food. Antioxidants are linked to preventing gum disease, and dark chocolate is full of them. Just make sure that you’re only eating dark chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a favorite fruit not just because of their taste but also because of their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C helps your body absorb and use the calcium present in other foods, such as milk and cheese. This means eating strawberries can help your body better utilize the calcium it provides for stronger teeth.

Coconut

Coconuts are a fantastic food because they’re so easy to eat. They’re soft, delicious, and great for your teeth. They can be chewed, sucked on, or eaten in chunks.

Not only that, coconuts are actually healthy for your teeth. They contain lauric acid, which is not only good for your overall health, but it helps to destroy bacteria in the mouth.

Apples

Apples, pears, and carrots are all crunchy, full of fibers, and contain lots of water. They scrub your teeth while you eat them, which helps to remove plaque and stains. The bacteria in plaque form acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to remove these acids from your teeth.

Carrots

Carrots are crunchy, and scrubbing them between your teeth helps remove food particles and plaque. However, don’t overdo it. Too many carrots can damage the enamel on your teeth.

Meat

Meats like steak and chicken have a lot of protein, which helps build bone and tissue and can help promote healthy gums.

However, red meats, like steak, contain a lot of plaque and bacteria-trapping sugars, so it’s important to brush and floss well after you eat.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kossi, DDS, at Smile City Dental in Santa Clarita, California, to learn how a smile makeover can change your life. You can reach us by calling (661) 252-8888, scheduling an appointment online, or visiting us at 19366 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 now.