When it comes to the health of your teeth, knowing what you are eating is important. Specific nutrients are most beneficial for different parts of the body. If your diet is low in nutrients your body needs, your body, including your mouth, may have a difficult time fighting off infections.

Foods high in carbs, sugars, and starches can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Eventually, the acids from these foods can cause tooth enamel to break down which can form into a cavity. Beyond limiting the sugary sweets and hard acidic foods in your diet, there are foods that are good for your teeth and gums.

Cheese

Are you a cheese lover? Did you know there are more than 1,000 types of cheese? It’s packed with calcium and able to restore enamel. Eating cheese can raise the pH in a person’s mouth and lower their risk of tooth decay. CHEESE PLEASE!

Yogurt

Similar to cheese, yogurt is high in calcium and protein helping to keep your teeth strong! The probiotics (beneficial bacteria) found in yogurt also benefit your gums. If you decide to add more yogurt to your diet, choose a plain yogurt with no added sugars.

Leafy Greens

They’re full of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach also promote oral health being high in calcium white builds enamel. UNBELEAFABLE!

Nuts

Nuts have an amazing amount of fiber, folic acid, and many vitamins. Peanuts are a great source of calcium and vitamin D which are beneficial to teeth and gums. SOMETIMES YOU FEEL LIKE A NUT, SOMETIMES YOU DON’T.

Apples

The ADA recommends steering clear of most sweets, however, there are some exceptions. Apples might be sweet but they are also high in fiber and water. An apple, especially the skin, is rich in fiber which can help remove stains and fight plaque. I APPLESOLUTELY LOVE IT!

Carrots

Like apples, carrots are crunchy and full of fiber! Along with high fiber, carrots are high in plaque-fighting keratin as well as Vitamin A which helps strengthen delicate tooth enamel. ROMAINE CALM AND CARROT ON!

Celery

Celery may have a bad rep for being blah, watery, and stringy but it can act like a toothbrush, scraping food particles and bacteria away from your teeth. It is a good source of both Vitamins A and C which are two antioxidants that give your gums a healthy boost. LET’S CELEBRATE HEALTHY GUMS!

Water

Want to know what to drink to prevent tooth decay? WATER! Like saliva, water washes the acid and sugars off your teeth. Water also has fluoride in it which is a mineral you find in toothpaste and some mouthwashes that help protect against tooth erosion. WATER YOU WAITING FOR? DRINK MORE WATER!

To maintain good oral health, limit sugary and acidic foods, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see us here at Pine Ridge Dental every six months for your preventative care. Call us today to schedule your next appointment! 763-856-5100