You’ve probably heard it a thousand times by now that you should “avoid sugary and acidic foods because they can eat away at your teeth”. Now, it is easier said than done to stay away from these very things but fortunately, our Shelby Township, MI, dentists can help give your daily diet a boost by offering a few good suggestions.
Here are 6 .
1. Fluoridated Water
This is one of the best ways to help strengthen teeth. According to the American Dental Association, 75% of Americans have access to fluoridated water. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and protects against cavities and acid erosion. Similar to fluoride, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, C, & D also help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
2. Milk
Milk is one of the for a lot of reasons. It often contains little to no sugar plus it contains a wide variety of nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and potassium. Milk also has casein proteins which form a protective layer on your teeth to help them resist decay.
Another benefit of milk is that it stimulates saliva production which is the mouth’s biggest natural defense. Fun fact: if you get a tooth knocked out, put it in milk instead of water to transport it to our dentists. This will keep it moist and create an ideal environment for your tooth’s roots and crown.
3. Cheese/Yogurt/Other Dairy Products
With milk having as many benefits for your teeth as it does, it’s no surprise that other dairy foods do too. Low-sugar yogurt and cheese are especially good. Cheese can help lower the pH of your saliva to fight against tooth decay, even after an acidic meal.
Not only is yogurt high in calcium, but researchers from Japan published an article in the Journal of Periodontology where they talk about the benefits of probiotics (good bacteria) in and preventing gum disease. Some kinds of yogurt may also have added benefits for your digestive system.
4. Lean Proteins
Lean proteins like fish, poultry, eggs, and other phosphorus rich foods are nutrient rich. The important thing to remember with this category is to not drench them in acidic or sugary dressing/marinades. Soy sauce and lemon juice are popular options, but can eat away at your teeth.
5. Carrots & Celery
Carrots are great for your teeth as well as your eyes. They also promote saliva production, and their hard texture acts as a natural toothbrush to scrub away plaque while not hurting enamel. Carrots are rich in vitamin A which is vitally important to the health of your gums and enamel.
Celery has a lot of the same benefits as carrots such as the ability to stimulate saliva protection, “scrub” teeth, and provide an abundance of antioxidants.
6. Nuts
Snacking on nuts like almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and cashews is beneficial for your teeth because they are low in carbohydrates, help fight decay-causing bacteria, and are packed with calcium and phosphorus. The act of crunching nuts with your teeth also serves as a healthy way to work your jaw muscles.
Contact Us Today
Our dentists in Shelby Township, MI work to deliver the care you need to keep your teeth healthy and happy. If you have any questions about how your diet affects your smile, feel free to ask and we’ll offer our best advice. Call the dental office of Jeffrey T. Baker DDS PC today at (586) 992-9222 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
