We concentrate on eating healthy to benefit our bodies, but what about our smiles? Did you know that there are tooth-friendly foods out there that can improve your body’s healthy and give you a more beautiful smile? Here are just a few items to add to your grocery list.
Dairy
The calcium found in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese is good for your bones. It’s also good for your teeth! It helps strengthen tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects against decay and damage. Cheese also raises the pH in your mouth, which helps to lower your risk of tooth decay. The probiotics in yogurt fight off bad bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Crunchy Fruits & Veggies
Some fruits and veggies like apples and carrots are chock-full of fiber, which is great for your digestion. Fiber-rich foods also stimulate saliva production, which helps clean out your mouth and lowers your risk of developing cavities. These crunchy foods, and others like celery, are also great for scrubbing teeth clean of stray food particles. It’s not the same as brushing, but it’ll work in a pinch until you can get ahold of your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Leafy Greens
Full of vitamins and minerals and low in calories, leafy greens are a go-to healthy food. When it comes to your teeth, they’re rich in calcium – great for enamel – and folic acid, which may help fight gum disease. Toss a handful into a salad, onto a pizza, or make a smoothie to easily add more greens to your diet!
Sugarless Gum
If you absolutely need something sweet or need to freshen your breath after a meal, go with sugarless gum. It gives you that sweet flavor without the harmful sugars. Plus the act of chewing increases saliva production, cleaning out your mouth and aiding in post-meal digestion.
Get your health and your smile in tip-top shape with these healthy – and tooth-friendly – foods! If you’re looking for even more suggestions, ask us at your next appointment. Call today or schedule online.
