The foods you eat can have a big impact your oral health as well as your overall health. Eating nutritious foods can make your teeth and gums healthier, and reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The ADA recommends that you follow nutritionist’s guides for healthy eating, such as choosing fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. There are also some specific healthy foods that can promote oral health that you can add to your diet to maintain your bright smile.
Foods That Promote Dental Health
One way to promote your oral health is to use sugar substitutes instead of regular sugar. Sugar can feed the bacteria on your teeth and gums, which then produce acid to attack your teeth. Sugar substitutes, however, don’t typically fuel acid production, and one substitute, xylitol, can also inhibit the growth of bacteria and prevent them from sticking to your teeth.
Foods that contain large amounts of calcium and phosphorous can replenish your protective tooth enamel when it’s weakened by acid attacks. Milk, cheese, sugar-free yogurt, and almonds are high in calcium, and thus may benefit your teeth. Foods with high-levels of protein are good sources of phosphorous, so chicken, fish, and eggs may also prove beneficial.
Fruits and vegetables tend to be high in water-content (water can wash the food particles out of your teeth). In addition, crunchy fruits like apples or pears can cause you to chew more, which stimulates saliva. The moisture is one of your best defenses against tooth decay, as it washes away leftover food and neutralizes acid.
Other Tips for Protecting Your Teeth
Besides eating healthy, you can protect your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing once, and chewing sugar-free gum between meals to generate more saliva. Drink plenty of water, and make sure to attend your regular dental checkups and cleanings so we can clean your teeth and check for any potential, or developing, problems.
ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS FAMILY DENTIST:
With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.