Almost everybody knows that brushing and flossing are critical to their oral health, but few recognize the importance of choosing a “mouth-healthy” diet – that is, avoiding foods that lead to gum disease and decay and choosing foods that build healthy teeth and gums.
Crunchy vegetables. Crunchy vegetables help to scrub away food and bacteria while fortifying your teeth and body with important vitamins and minerals at the same time. Carrots, celery, and radishes are good examples and are easy to add to your lunch box.
Water. Water not only provides a great source of fluoride but helps wash away food and bacteria and works against dry mouth (which can be damaging to dental health). You should aim to drink water after every meal and throughout the day.
Milk, cheese, and yogurt. These foods are not only low in sugar but also high in calcium and a good course of casein and phosphate, both of which support strong teeth. These foods are easy to add to your diet with no inconvenience by simply choosing cheese or yogurt for your afternoon snack or having a glass of milk with your dinner.
Nuts. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts contain phosphorus, calcium, and other nutrients that contribute to strong bones and teeth. You can snack on nuts or add them to a salad or baked dish to incorporate them into your diet.
Leafy greens. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce are rich in nutrients that your teeth need to stay healthy like folic acid, calcium, and more. If you don’t love salad, you can add lettuce to your sandwiches to increase your consumption.
Crunchy fruits. Apples, pears, and other crunchy fruits can help you clean your teeth much like crunchy vegetables, and pears can even help neutralize the acids that cause tooth decay.
To learn more, visit us at First Street Smiles today!
