In the last blog, your dentist discussed
foods that were bad for your teeth. In this blog, your Corona Dentist wants to
talk about the foods that are actually good for your teeth and gums.
How often you eat and what you eat is almost
as important as what you put in your mouth. In fact, according to Web MD, the
changes in your mouth occur the minute you start eating. The bacteria in your
mouth convert carbohydrates and sugars into acid that will attack the
protective coating of enamel on your teeth. If you snack often, you are exposing your
teeth to a cycle of tooth decay. The only way to prevent this from happening is
to eat healthier food and rinse after you eat.
Your dentist will tell you that some of the best
food choices for your teeth and gums include milk, cheese, fish, and meat.
These types of foods will protect the enamel on your teeth as they are filled
with phosphorus and calcium that is needed in order to remineralize your teeth.
Milk, cheese, and sugar-free yogurt are good
choices when it comes to your diet. The calcium in the dairy actually
strengthens teeth. In fact, in a recent study, those who enjoyed cheese saw a healthy
drop in their mouth pH levels. The lower the pH the better chance your teeth
have of fighting tooth decay. Although cheese might stick to your teeth, it is
protecting the enamel at the same time.
Meat is loaded with iron, which is important
for strong bones and teeth. Beef, chicken, pork, and fish, especially the organ
meat, contains important vitamins such as A and D. These vitamins can help your
immune system and actually increase mineralization in your bones and teeth.
Include lots of crunchy fruits and vegetables
in your diet. Pears, apples, and carrots contain lots of water helping to
dilute the natural sugars also contained in the fruits and vegetables. Celery
is wonderful as it actually acts as a dental floss of sorts cleaning in-between
your teeth as you chew. Fruits and vegetables also help to stimulate saliva
flow, which protects your teeth against tooth decay. Citrus fruits such as tomatoes, grapefruits, oranges lemons and limes should be enjoyed with a meal in order to minimize the acids.
According to your dentist, the best beverage choices include lots of
water, unsweetened tea, and milk. Try to avoid drinks that contain sugar and if
you must have something fizzy, go with sugar substitutes as the do not feed the
dangerous bacteria lurking in your mouth.
For more information on healthy food choices for your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
