Sneaking the occasional soda won’t cause catastrophic damage to your teeth, but unhealthy eating habits over time can have a detrimental effect on your oral health. Foods high in sugar and acid can cause cavities and damage to tooth enamel, which leads to tooth decay and other issues later on. Knowing the best foods for your teeth and gum health can help keep your smile happy, along with regular oral hygiene practices, dental checkups, and professional teeth cleanings at Newbury Dental Group.
5 Best foods for your teeth
- Leafy greens
Leafy greens are great for your teeth because they contain a lot of fiber that requires a lot of chewing and saliva production. Saliva helps clean your teeth and neutralizes acids that can break down the enamel. - Cheese
Cheese is a great choice for strong teeth for a number of reasons. It contains calcium and protein which strengthens tooth enamel, while chewing increases saliva production. Cheese can raise the pH in your mouth and lower the risk of tooth decay. - Nuts
Nuts like almonds or cashews can support healthy teeth because they are a good source of vitamins like calcium and protein, without a lot of sugar. Remember to always be careful when chewing hard foods. - Carrots
Crunchy raw veggies like carrots help to disrupt plaque while cleaning teeth and gums. Apples and celery are also a good choice! - Green tea
Green tea has a variety of health benefits, including bacteria and disease-fighting antioxidants. Teas also contain fluoride that prevents tooth decay and strengthens enamel.
Foods to avoid
You don’t have to completely stay away from drinks like soda and coffee that can cause stains, but be aware of how much of these foods you consume in order to take care of your teeth. Teeth whitening is an option for people noticing stains from dark beverages, but cavities and tooth decay are a more serious consequence that requires treatment.
- Soft drinks
- Candy
- Unrefined carbs
- Coffee
- Citrus
Schedule regular dental checkups to keep teeth healthy
Practicing good habits like toothbrushing and diet choices are very important for your oral health, but scheduling regular dental checkups is also necessary for maintaining your smile. Professional cleanings are required to clean plaque that can develop even with regular flossing and brushing. Please contact us at (805) 410-1532 or sam.newburydentalgroup@gmail.com to set up an appointment with Dr. Peyman or Dr. Sam at our office in Newbury Park or Thousand Oaks.