CHEW HEALTHY Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth

CHEW HEALTHY: Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth

 

We’ve all been told by our dentist to stay away from candy, sweets and all the stuff that makes our taste buds happy. Keep away from soda, they said.  We should minimally eat acidic foods and beverages, such as certain fruits and juices, coffee, salad dressings, etc.  All of this dental “no-no” talk can become frustrating and leave us wondering… Well, what can I actually eat?

 Keeping our patients teeth healthy is the number one priority as a dentist. We tend to reiterate the consequences that bad foods can have on your teeth; however, there are also a myriad of teeth-friendly foods and beverages that are beneficial to a patient’s diet.

 

• WATER

We’ll keep this one simple because we all know the importance of water in every aspect of your diet, but water can be a lifesaver to your teeth. Water is helpful in cleaning your teeth from all the negative effects of bad foods. Fluoridated water is especially helpful.

 

• CRUNCHY FRUITS AND VEGATABLES

This includes fruits and vegetables as pears, apples, carrots, celery, broccoli, etc. The idea behind crunchy fruits and vegetables is that the energy it takes to chew them increases the amount of saliva being produced thus helping to cleanse out the sugars. These fruits and vegetables also tend to have water in them, which helps to minimize their negative effects.

 

• CHEESE, YOGURT AND MILK

These dairy products can lower the pH levels inside a person’s mouth, thus lowering the risk for acidic erosion.  Cheese, milk and yogurt also contain calcium and phosphate, which is helpful in fortifying teeth.  Calcium also aids in defending against gum disease.