Healthy foods are good for your mouth and overall well-being. That’s why it’s vital to watch what you eat and drink. For instance, certain foods can negatively affect your teeth and gums. They can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and the accumulation of plaque and tartar, increasing your risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Certain foods have essential vitamins and minerals that revitalize your teeth and strengthen your gums, bones, and teeth. Visit our dentist’s Office in Wellesley, MA, for tooth decay and periodontal disease treatment near you.
To maintain healthy teeth and reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, below are excellent foods to include in your diet:
According to the ADA, fruits and vegetables have high water and fiber content, which is essential for a healthy mouth. For instance, the high-water content and fiber help to wash away harmful bacteria, debris, and acids in the mouth. The chewing activity also works as a natural toothbrush, helping to remove plaque and whiten the teeth.
These foods have numerous vitamins and minerals essential to remineralize the teeth, suppress harmful bacteria, and strengthen the gums and teeth. These items are also beneficial for your overall well-being. Food options include broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, and shiitake mushrooms.
Chewing crunchy items like apples, celery, and carrots helps to clean away plaque and debris from the teeth. Similarly, these items stimulate saliva production, helping wash away harmful bacteria, acids, and plaque, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
These foods are also packed with essential vitamins A and C and minerals, which fight harmful bacteria and strengthen teeth and gums.
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are low in sugars and rich in calcium and proteins that are great for oral health. Calcium helps to remineralize the teeth’ enamel and strengthens the gums, bones, and teeth. The casein protein also helps neutralize acids and harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease and decay. Be sure to use low-sugar or sugar-free dairy products.
Most meats like chicken, beef and fatty fish like salmon and tofu have essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus that strengthen teeth and bones. These meats also stimulate saliva production and flow, which helps to neutralize mouth acids and wash away harmful bacteria and debris from the mouth. Omega-3 in fish is also effective in fighting and treating gum disease.
Nuts are low in sugars and have essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which help fight bacteria that attack teeth and gums. Nuts also help wash away plaque and debris from the mouth, reducing plaque. They also stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and bacteria in the mouth. Good nuts include cashew nuts, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and brazil nuts.
Water is perhaps the best beverage for overall health. Water keeps your mouth moist, neutralize the mouth pH, and washes away bacteria. Water also helps to wash away debris and prevent plaque. Rinsing your mouth after taking highly pigmented items like coffee and soda can also help prevent teeth staining.
Stay away or limit the following foods:
A high diet in carbs and sugar like sweets, chips, bread, caramel, and candies encourages bacteria growth in the mouth, increasing your risk of decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth after eating high sugary and starchy foods. Alternatively, you can eat sugary foods with meals.
Eating sticky items such as chocolate and candy can get trapped between the teeth, increasing your risk of plaque and tartar buildup.
Foods high in acids like apple cider vinegar, energy drinks, sports drinks, alcohol, citrus fruits, soda, and grapefruit can erode the tooth’s enamel, causing decay. If you must take these items, be sure to rinse your mouth.
Items like alcohol and medications can cause dry mouth, increasing your risk of gum disease and decay. Enough saliva flow is essential to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth.
Do you need more information tips on caring for your gums and teeth? Contact Wellesley Dental Arts to speak with our dentist in Wellesley, MA.
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