By Aspen Dental
Foods to eat for better overall oral health
Did you know that achieving healthy teeth requires more than just brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily? It also helps if you eat foods that are good for your teeth. Some examples of foods that are good for your teeth are foods that are rich in calcium. Because teeth are essentially just bones, foods with a high calcium content will make them stronger. Try having yogurt or a couple slices of cheese as a snack, drink soy drinks, low-fat or fat-free milk, or have a salad with some almonds and spinach or kale. Foods which contain phosphorus can help keep your teeth healthy. Phosphorus-rich foods include beans, fish, eggs, lean meat, nuts, and dairy. To maintain healthy gums, make sure to include vitamin C in your diet, as well. Broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, citrus fruits, and peppers are all high in vitamin C. Keep snacking to a minimum. Less saliva is produced during snacking compared to during a meal, which means decay is commonly caused by frequent snacking because saliva is not being released to naturally cleanse the teeth and prevent plaque build-up. When you do snack, choose one that is low in sugar. High sugar content snacks like candy, cookies, donuts, fruit snacks, or even granola bars can cause tooth decay. The best snacks to choose are fruits and vegetables, yogurt, nuts, and cheese. Juice and soda can be extremely high in sugar, so choose water instead. Plenty of water after and in between meals and snacks can help rinse the food particles off your teeth and prevent plaque build-up. And remember to always brush twice a day and floss daily. Contact us at Aspen Dental to learn more!
