Ever since we were kids, we have been told to avoid certain foods to protect our teeth from tooth decay. However, we have also learned that there are foods that can help keep our teeth healthy. Today, most five-year-olds will tell you that sugar is bad for your teeth and should be avoided as much as possible but if you do indulge in the occasional sugary snack, then you need to brush your teeth as soon as possible to remove any traces from your teeth. This is because acids can form when sugars or starches in your mouth come in contact with plaque. These acids can begin attacking your teeth as fast as 20 minutes after you have eaten. If you consume such foods on a regular basis the acid attacks will begin to break down your tooth enamel which can result in tooth decay. What’s more, the bacteria found in plaque can cause inflammation which damages your gums, bone, and other supporting structures of your teeth.
Your local dentists at My Dentist at Morgan Creek, South Surrey / White Rock, BC would like to discuss some of the best food choices that can help you maintain healthy teeth for as long as possible.
Dairy Products
The consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt not only contain calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous, and protein which help make your teeth stronger by rebuilding tooth enamel but also encourage your body to produce more saliva to clean your mouth, which protects your teeth. Moreover, if you eat unsweetened yogurt, it also contains probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, for your digestive system. If you are sensitive or allergic to dairy products, you can consume calcium- and protein-fortified non-dairy milk from almonds, soy, rice, cashews, or barley.
Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are great alternative snack choices and they are among the best foods that can help keep our teeth healthy. They can provide you with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, unlike sugary snacks which basically offer you quick energy and a lot of empty calories. For example, vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants can help promote cell growth and protect your gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection.
Furthermore, crispy fruit and vegetables such as apples, pears, carrots, and celery can help clean plaque from your teeth because the firm crisp texture and the high fiber content of these foods can scrape leftover food particles and bacteria away from your teeth and also leave you with freshened breath. Likewise, firm crisp fruit and vegetables can also stimulate saliva production due to the extra chewing that is required to swallow them. Saliva is one of your best natural defenses against cavities and gum disease.
Lean Proteins and Nuts
Phosphorous and vitamin D are vital in helping our bodies absorb calcium. Your best sources for phosphorous are lean proteins like meat, fish, poultry, tofu, and nuts. As for vitamin D, you should eat fatty fish like salmon, herring, and anchovies, which also contain high amounts of Omega-3s. Eggs and milk are also good sources of vitamin D. By consuming a balanced diet that includes important sources of these vitamins and minerals you will be able to have healthier teeth and gums and get the full disease-fighting benefits of calcium by helping protect the enamel on your teeth and improve bone density.
Leafy Greens
Like fruit and vegetables, leafy greens are a rich source of vitamins and minerals and they also help you produce saliva to clean your mouth and keep enamel healthy. Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, kale, spinach, and chard are high in calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins, which fortify your health. In general, leafy greens help reinforce your tooth enamel, which acts as a shield against cavity-forming bacterial acids. Additionally, folic acid is especially helpful to pregnant women since it helps fight gum disease.
Keep Up with Your Regular Check-Ups and Dental Cleanings
In addition to maintaining a healthy balanced diet and eating foods that can help us maintain healthy teeth, good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for everyone as well. Regular dental exams and cleanings, once every six months help protect your health and reduce your risks of systemic diseases. Consulting your dentist at My Dentist at Morgan Creek in South Surrey will help you maintain your oral health.
Our dentists are genuinely concerned about every patient’s dental health and well-being. This makes them one of the favorite dentists for many in South Surrey and White Rock, BC. Call us or contact us online to book your appointment today!
