Did you know daily foods impact your teeth’ long-term health?
It’s not only the typical suspects like sugary foods and sodas that can do damage. Foods that you may think are acceptable for your body, such as certain fruits, vegetables, and even your daily coffee, could negatively impact your oral health.
To maintain your dental health and prevent your teeth from aging, keep reading to discover bad vs good food for your teeth.
GOOD FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH
To maintain clean and healthy teeth, eating the right foods are essential. Here are some foods you can eat more of and how they are beneficial to your oral health.
Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are vital sources of calcium and vitamin D which play a key part in your bone health and strengthen your teeth. Proteins called caseins in dairy products create a protective film over our teeth, preventing decalcification.
Meat, Fish, and Tofu
Red meat and fatty fish are full of phosphorus, a mineral that protects your tooth enamel. Tofu is also a good source of calcium and phosphorous if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
Dark, Leafy Greens
Greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach are not only full of nutrients, but they also fortify your tooth enamel and protect against cavities. They contain calcium, folic acid, and antioxidants.
Crunchy Vegetables
Vegetables like carrots and celery help to keep your teeth and gums strong. They also act as nature’s floss by removing any debris stuck between your teeth as you eat them.
BAD FOOD FOR YOUR TEETH
Eating bad things for your teeth can lead to tooth decay and plaque. The following types of food and drink should be reduced in your diet to protect your teeth and gums.
Acidic Fruits
Lemons, grapefruits, and other acidic fruits are high in acids and can erode and decay your tooth enamel and stain your teeth. Limiting your teeth’s exposure to these foods is best as your tooth enamel can’t be replaced after it has eroded.
Coffee and Tea
These drinks are known to cause tooth discolouration, especially if you drink black coffee. This can be reduced by drinking with a straw and brushing after drinking.
Red Wine
Similar to coffee, red wine also contains tannins which cause colour compounds to stick to your teeth, causing them to turn purple over time. If you’re looking for an alcohol substitute, gin and vodka are the lowest acidity alcohols and are sugar-free; however, be careful when choosing your mix options, as pop and juice are not.
Sugary Food and Drink
These are high in acid and sugar, eroding and decaying the teeth even with regular brushing and flossing. Try to reduce the amount of sugar that you consume to protect your teeth in the future.
MAINTAINING HEALTHY TEETH
We hope this article showed you the good food for your teeth and what to avoid. This is the best way to maintain your teeth at home, but having regular dental checkups at your local practice is necessary for maintaining a healthy smile.
At Janz Family Dental, your dentist in Edmonton, we offer teeth cleaning and checkups, and our experienced team can help you with all your dental needs. Schedule your appointment with Janz Family Dental today.
