We all know that we should brush and floss our teeth every day, but what about our diet? What foods should we eat to maintain oral health? And conversely, what foods should we avoid?
This blog post will look at the foods to eat and not eat for better oral health.
The Good Guys
The best foods for oral health are high in water content and fiber. Some suggested options are:
1) Fiber-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
According to ADA, these foods help clean your teeth as you eat them and stimulate saliva flow, which helps rinse away food particles and plaque. After about 20 minutes, the increased saliva flow returns to normal. Fruits and vegetables with more water content, such as apples, celery, and carrots, are especially beneficial.
Dentists in Newbury Park recommend eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery to help clean your teeth.
2) Cheese
A 2012 study showed that eating cheese can help prevent cavities by increasing the pH in your mouth and reducing the amount of time plaque has to form on your teeth.
Plus, who doesn’t love cheese?
Other dairy products, including milk and yogurt, are also good for your teeth. They contain calcium, which is essential for strong teeth, and they can also help reduce the acidity in your mouth.
3) Water
Water is essential for keeping your mouth hydrated and washes away food particles and plaque. It’s crucial to drink plenty of water every day, especially after meals. If water is not your thing, green tea is also a good option as it has many of the same benefits.
4) Foods with Fluoride
Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks. Foods that contain fluoride include shellfish, tea, and coffee.
The Bad Guys
On the other hand, there are specific foods that you should avoid if you want to maintain healthy oral hygiene. These include:
1) Sugary Foods and Drinks
Foods high in sugar are one of the leading causes of cavities. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid that attacks your teeth. Over time, this leads to tooth decay and cavities.
2) Sticky Foods
Sticky foods, such as candy and chocolate, are bad for your teeth because they stick to your teeth and can be hard to remove. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
If you eat sugary or sticky foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to remove the food particles.
3) Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits and sodas, can damage your teeth. The acid in these foods can soften your tooth enamel and make it more susceptible to cavities. You can take the help of family dentists in Newbury Park to treat cavities if they happen despite your best efforts.
4) Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea can also be bad for your teeth because they contain tannins, staining your teeth. If staining occurs, visit a general dentist in Newbury Park.
So, there you have it! The best and worst foods for better oral health. Be sure to include plenty of the good guys in your diet and avoid the bad guys as much as possible. And of course, don’t forget to visit an implant dentist in Newbury Park for any severe dental problems.
What are some of your favorite foods for better oral health? Let us know in the comments below!