Eating a diet that supports oral health is an important aspect of maintaining the health and longevity of your teeth and gums between family dental care visits.
The foods and drinks you and your family consume can greatly affect the health of your teeth and gums, as well as the rest of your body. Sticking to a balanced diet can help you maintain or improve your oral health, but choosing the wrong foods and drinks can cause cavities, enamel erosion, and gum disease.
Read on for all the details on what to eat and what to avoid to help you keep your mouth healthy.
Foods To Eat For Better Oral Health
Here are the top 5 types of food that strengthen teeth and gums:
1) Dairy Products
Dairy foods contain high amounts of calcium, casein, and phosphates, which help protect and strengthen tooth enamel. Here are some specific examples:
- Low-fat or whole milk builds strong bones and teeth because it is high in calcium and vitamin D.
- Cheese (especially hard cheese like cheddar and Swiss) provides calcium and phosphate and also neutralizes acids by stimulating the production of saliva.
- Unsweetened or low-sugar yogurt is packed with probiotics and supports healthy bacteria in your mouth, which improves gum health.
2) Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are rich in nutrients that benefit your gums and teeth. Leafy greens to look for include:
- Kale and spinach strengthen tooth enamel and support gum health because they are high in calcium and folic acid.
- Broccoli has high amounts of vitamin C, which promotes gum healing, and contains natural compounds that protect the enamel from acids.
- Swiss chard delivers healthy doses of calcium and magnesium, which are both essential for strong teeth.
3) Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables
These foods naturally cleanse teeth because their high water content helps break down sugars and stimulate saliva production. Specific examples include:
- Apples are nicknamed “nature’s toothbrush” because they help scrub your teeth; they also provide vitamins like vitamin C.
- Carrots are full of fiber and vitamin A, which improves gum health and saliva production.
- Celery cleans between your teeth and keeps your mouth hydrated.
- Bell peppers and cucumbers help maintain gum health thanks to their high water content and vitamin C.
4) Nuts & Seeds
Snacking on nuts and seeds provides essential minerals that can help you maintain strong teeth. Here are some specific examples:
- Almonds are high in calcium and low in sugar.
- Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and support gum health.
- Sesame seeds are tiny but mighty – they are high in calcium, and they can gently remove plaque from your teeth.
5) High-Fiber Foods
Foods that are high in fiber clean your teeth and promote digestion, which can impact your oral health. Here are some specific examples of high-fiber foods to try:
- Black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are all rich in fiber and protein.
- Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa help your mouth maintain its pH balance.
Foods To Avoid For Better Oral Health
These 5 types of food and drinks are known to erode tooth enamel, promote the growth of harmful bacteria, and cause tooth and gum decay. Limiting or eliminating them from your diet completely can help you stay healthy.
1) Sugary Drinks & Snacks
Sugar promotes the growth of harmful mouth bacteria and creates enamel-eroding acids. Some common high-sugar foods and drinks include:
- Regular and diet sodas are acidic and can lead to weakened tooth enamel over time.
- Hard or gummy candy sticks to teeth, which increases your risk of tooth decay.
- Cookies and pastries promote plaque buildup because they are high in refined sugar.
2) Acidic Drinks & Foods
Acidic foods can weaken the layer of protective enamel over your teeth and increase your risk of tooth decay. Specific examples of acidic foods and drinks to avoid include:
- Citrus fruits such as grapefruits, lemons, limes, and oranges are healthy, but their high acid content can be harmful, so be sure to eat them in moderation and rinse your mouth afterward.
- Fresh tomatoes, tomato juice, and tomato sauce can be harmful to tooth enamel.
- Pickles and vinegar-based foods should be eaten sparingly.
3) Sticky Foods
Sticky foods are more challenging to remove from your teeth compared to other foods, making you more likely to develop tooth decay. Some specific examples include:
- Dried fruits such as apricots, dates, and raisins are high in concentrated sugars.
- Caramel and toffee candy can get trapped in the spaces between your teeth and cause tooth decay.
- Granola bars can be high in sticky sugars that stay on your teeth.
4) Starchy Foods
Starchy foods harm oral health because they break down into sugars that can linger in your mouth. Some specific examples include:
- White bread contains refined starch that can stick to your teeth and turn into sugar.
- Potato chips are high in starch and break down into tiny crumb-like pieces as you chew, making them likely to get trapped between teeth, which increases plaque.
- Pasta and rice may contain refined starch that can leave a sticky residue on your teeth.
5) Alcohol
Alcohol reduces saliva production, which can cause dehydration and make your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Here are some specific examples:
- Red wine can stain teeth.
- White wine is acidic and can lead to enamel erosion.
- Some beers are acidic and can cause you to lose tooth enamel.
Choose Eriks Dental Group For All Your Family Dental Care Needs
Eriks Dental Group is a family dentistry practice in Boynton Beach – we offer the following services to fit the needs of patients of all ages:
- Adult dental care that addresses common problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity, and provides treatments like fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions.
- Cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental implants, as well as orthodontics and Invisalign.
- Education and guidance regarding proper oral hygiene routines, diet choices that protect oral health, and the importance of regular dental visits.
- Emergency dentistry services to take care of dental injuries, severe toothaches, and infections; same-day appointments are sometimes available.
- Pediatric dentistry that makes children feel safe and comfortable.
- Preventive care, including regular check-ups, cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and oral hygiene instructions.
We offer payment plans, and we accept Care Credit, Cash, Checks, and all major credit cards.
If we are out-of-network with your current coinsurance plan, we can submit dental forms for you to help you get the most from your benefits. We are an in-network provider for the following insurance plans:
- Aetna Preferred PPO
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- Guardian PPO
- MetLife
- PDP Plus PPO
You can reach us by emailing [email protected] or calling 561-733-4004.