We tend to focus on the negative, but we really should be focusing on the positive! All too often you’re being told what you shouldn’t do but today we’re here to give you some helpful tips about what foods can actually benefit your teeth and overall oral health. At Smiles By Dr. Santos, we’re here for all your dental health needs. Whether that be regularly scheduled teeth cleanings or cosmetic procedures we can bet that we will be there to help assist you in any way we can. And, one of those ways is by providing you with the helpful information in our blog posts. In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the foods you can eat that can actually create dental benefits. While you should not swap any of these foods for your normal brushing and flossing, they can still benefit you!
Cheese
This was probably something you didn’t expect to hear from us, but it’s true cheese can be beneficial for your mouth in more ways than its great taste! In 2013, a study was conducted by an issue of General Dentistry (the journal of the American Academy of General Dentistry) and reported that eating cheese raised the pH levels of the subject’s mouth and therefore lowered their risk for tooth decay. The chewing that consuming cheese requires also increases saliva in the mouth which is also beneficial. Cheese also contains calcium and protein which can help strengthen your tooth enamel.
Apples
You’re probably used to being told that you should avoid sweet foods, and while that is true for all processed sugars, apples are one of the exceptions. Apples are high in fiber and water and the action of eating them produces saliva in your mouth, which can rinse away extra bacteria and lingering food particles. The texture of the apple also stimulates the gums due to its natural crunch.
Carrots
Just like apples, carrots add a wonderful crunch to your meal. They are also full of fiber and due to their crunch, they can help reduce cavities. Carrots are also a great source of vitamin A.
Leafy Greens
While these aren’t nearly as exciting as cheese, leafy greens reap a ton of health benefits. They’re full of vitamins and minerals and low in calories. Specific greens like spinach and kale are full of calcium which helps build tooth enamel. They also contain folic acid, which is a type of vitamin B that can help treat gum disease. Try adding some spinach or kale to your next smoothie or even use them as a topping for your pizza.
Yogurt
Just like cheese, yogurt is full of calcium and protein making it a good choice for your body and your teeth. The probiotics and bacteria found in yogurt help to boot out the bad bacteria found in your mouth that can cause cavities. However, yogurt can be filled with sugar so try to avoid those and make sure your yogurt has a high amount of protein.
Almonds
Almonds are great for your teeth because they’re such a great source of calcium and protein while still remaining low in sugar. They make for a wonderful snack or addition to your next salad.
It’s also important to be aware of what you’re drinking. Sugary juices and sodas are the cavity’s best friends and can lead to tooth decay and other unhealthy issues.
No matter what your eating habits are, we at Smiles By Dr. Santos want you to be confident in the quality dental services we provide you. We guarantee that from the moment you step into our office you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. Contact us to make an appointment. We accept most traditional insurance plans and are happy to accommodate you as best we can. Click here to fill out our new patient forms or call us with any questions at 609-978-8466. We can’t wait to see your smile!