Having a strong routine of brushing and flossing is essential to keeping your smile as healthy as possible, but did you know there are also other ways to supplement that routine? There are many different types of food and drinks that are both good and bad for your oral health. By maintaining a healthy diet, you can help your teeth stay strong, healthy, and beautiful. Continue on for some tips on creating a healthy smile through a healthy diet from Drs. Rosen & Dworkin.
If you are looking for a trusted, local dentist office in Marlton, NJ, or the surrounding areas, contact the office of Drs. Rosen & Dworkin today!
What to Avoid
When discussing diet and its effect on your teeth, it is best to start with what foods and drinks are best to avoid, as their effects are faster acting and can cause serious damage over the years if not considered.
Sugar
Sugar is not only detrimental to your health as a whole but in excessive quantities, can also wreak havoc on your teeth. The biggest culprits here are hard candies like lollipops, caramels, and anything else that stays in your mouth for a while. The excess time in the mouth can cause tooth and enamel decay. If you absolutely cannot give up your sweet tooth, it is recommended that you eat them after the main meal instead of between meals, and to brush directly after if possible.
Drinks That Cause Staining
Many darker drinks can cause staining to occur. Soft drinks, even sugar-free ones, coffee, and red wine can all contribute to stained teeth. They are also all high in erosion-causing acids.
Acidic Foods & Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks will erode your teeth and enamel and can cause serious problems if not dealt with. From citrus, pickles, and pasta sauces, to vinegar and the drinks listed above, acidic foods are hard to avoid as a whole, and you should keep eating or drinking them to a minimum.
What Helps Your Teeth?
Water, Water, Water
By far, the best thing you can intake for your teeth throughout the day is water. Staying properly hydrated insurers that your mouth is functioning properly. Saliva not only helps combat bad breath, but also keeps your teeth healthy, and when dehydrated, your body slows the production of saliva down to a minimum. For extended periods of time, this can cause problems on its own, but also makes your teeth more susceptible to damages from other sources.
Calcium-Rich Foods (Yes, Cheeses Too)
Your teeth are composed of calcium (among other minerals) so it is no surprise that calcium-rich foods land on this list. Cheese, milk, and yogurt are all great examples of calcium-rich foods. These foods are also naturally low in sugar. Calcium helps to fortify your enamel, making them stronger and harder to damage with other harmful foods.
Crunchy Veggies & Leafy Greens
Crunchy veggies are great for teeth due to the way we have to eat them. Because they require a lot of chewing, they also have the benefit of helping to clean your teeth while you eat them! They are also packed with important vitamins and minerals that not only your mouth but your entire body needs.
Leafy greens are also a big plus for oral hygiene. Foods like spinach and kale are rich and calcium and other important minerals that your body needs.
Lean Proteins
Lean proteins are packed with important nutrients. They also help in the production of saliva which, as mentioned above, helps protect your teeth and keep your enamel strong. They are also loaded with phosphorus which further protects tooth enamel.
Protect Your Teeth
By far the best things you can do for your teeth is visit the dentist at least twice a year, and to brush and floss regularly, but if you are looking for a way to supplement your existing routine, establishing a healthy diet is a great way to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
If you are due for a dental appointment, don’t put it off any longer! If you are in the Marlton, NJ area and looking for a dentist, contact the office of Drs. Rosen & Dworkin today!