Edited May 2020

When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, sugar wreaks havoc. Foods like candy and soda are major contributors to tooth decay. If your diet is comprised mostly of empty sugary calories, you aren’t getting proper nutrition. When this happens, one of the first things to suffer is your oral health.

The good news is that there are plenty of foods that improve your diet and at the same time are specifically good for a healthy and happy smile.

If you want to change your habits and eat healthier foods that will lead to a happier and more confident smile, we have suggestions on what to include in your diet.

WHAT TO EAT:

• Crunchy fruits and raw vegetables, like apples, carrots and celery, help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath. Slice up veggies and keep them in a container with water in the fridge. Try reaching for those instead of processed crackers and chips when you’re feeling peckish.
• Milk and other dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D and help promote healthy teeth and bones, reducing the risk for tooth loss. Try adding yogurt mixed with fruit and granola to your diet to get extra calcium, vitamin C, and protein.
• Cheese releases a burst of calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks to the teeth, protecting them from the acid that causes decay and helping to rebuild tooth enamel.
• Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection.
• Almonds are great for your teeth because they are a good source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. They are easy to travel with and munch on during the day.
• Folic acid promotes a healthy mouth and supports cell growth throughout the entire body. This member of the B vitamin family is found in green leafy vegetables and brewer’s yeast. Have a hard time enjoying leafy greens? Throw some on a pizza or in an omelet.

Being kind to your teeth really means being good to your entire body. Try spending some time this summer working healthy foods into your diet — not just for your smile, but for your overall well-being.

Don’t forget that your teeth don’t take a break during the summer. Give us a call or contact us if you have questions about this blog or any issues about your oral health.

We look forward to seeing you soon!