Food and Beverages that can damage your smile
The food you eat can impact the status of your oral health. To maintain a healthy smile, it’s crucial to also maintain a balanced diet. Too much starch or sugar isn’t good for the teeth. Bacteria feed on these types of food and form acids that attack the tooth enamel. Avoid drawing tooth decay in and eat more of these food items instead.
Leafy greens
They’re not everyone’s favorite, but they can do so much not only for your oral health but also for your overall health. Leafy greens are low in calories and are calcium-rich too, which makes them good for the tooth enamel. If you’re not into leafy greens, try adding them to your favorite dishes. Include them in your pasta or salad recipe, or sprinkle some on your pizza.
Cheese
Chewing on cheese stimulates saliva production. One study suggested that cheese helps prevent cavities. A group of 12-15-year-olds showed lower acid levels in their mouth after eating cheese as compared to those that drank milk and have taken sugar-free yogurt. In 1991, another study suggested that cheese can reduce the loss of minerals from the tooth enamel.
Yogurt
Another dairy product, yogurt presents benefits similar to cheese. It’s also rich in calcium and protein, which helps improve teeth strength. Yogurt also contains probiotics, helping produce good bacteria that fight cavity-causing bacteria. They also aid in restoring minerals to the tooth enamel. Be sure to pick a yogurt with no added sugar.
Apples
Apple is a superfood for both your teeth and overall health. While it’s sweet, it’s also rich in fiber and water. Think of it as a natural toothbrush. Chewing an apple encourages the flow of saliva in your mouth, which helps flush down food debris. While eating apples is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, the scrubbing action can help clean your teeth after a meal.
Carrots and celery
Fiber-rich food, such as carrots and celery, are good for the gums and also help increase saliva production. Saliva is beneficial for the mouth as it reduces acidity levels and also helps wash away food particles. Carrots and celery are also rich in beta carotene, which is known to promote tooth development and bone growth.
Green Tea
This popular beverage was found effective in fighting bad breath or halitosis. It can also help protect the teeth against cavities and periodontal diseases. According to the study, green tea is best taken freshly brewed so you can maximize its benefits. Proper handling also matters. Springwater is ideal for use when brewing green tea, followed by filtered water.
Avoid constantly snacking throughout the day to reduce exposure of teeth to acid. Try to choose a filling meal to keep hunger at bay. At mealtimes, the mouth produces more saliva. Aside from the food that you eat, be cautious with your choice of beverage too. Water is the best option as it does not pose any harm to your teeth.
If you have more questions about caring for your teeth and keeping them strong, call us at Altima Port Hope. Let’s set you up an appointment with the dentist so you can also have your smile examined.