Why is it important to eat a balanced diet? How does it affect your oral health? What are the best foods to eat for your teeth?
We all know that eating a well-balanced diet is extremely important when it comes to keeping your body in an overall healthy state. One of the main reasons for this is because you need to consume a wide range of different vitamins. These vitamins also help to keep your oral health in top condition by fighting off infection, gum disease and even tooth decay.
Foods high in carbohydrates, sugars and acids will increase the production of plaque, which will start to attack the enamel on the surface of the teeth. In time, this erosion of the enamel will create cavities (or tooth decay).
We have put together a group of foods that are great for improving your oral health and preventing tooth decay. Most of these foods make great snacks to swap out from high sugar foods such as chocolate, cake and sweets.
Say cheese! There may be a reason behind the saying…
Cheese can lower your risk of tooth decay as it can raise the pH levels in the mouth. Research has also shown that chewing cheese can increase the saliva in the mouth, washing away any acids. Another benefit is that it contains calcium and protein which both help to strengthen enamel.
As well as cheese, yogurt can also help to build the strength and health of your teeth because of the calcium and protein it contains. The probiotics (good bacteria) that are found in yogurt can help your gums to fight off any potential cavity causing bacteria. It is best to choose a natural yogurt, with no added sugar to see the benefits.
Leafy greens are a well-known low-calorie food to boost your health due to them being packed full of vitamins and minerals, but did you know spinach and kale can also boost your oral health? As well as containing folic acid and Vitamin B, they include lots of calcium to protect your teeth’s enamel.
Apples might seem a strange suggestion because of their sugar content, but they are full of fibre and water. Eating an apple will increase the production of saliva in the mouth and stimulate the gums. Eating a whole or sliced apple after a meal is a great way to give your mouth a clean.
Carrots may not allow you to see in the dark but they definitely help to reduce your risk of cavities. The crunchy texture of carrots can help to clean your teeth and increase saliva production, washing away any harmful bacteria. It’s a good idea to snack on carrot sticks throughout the day.
Celery doesn’t have a very good reputation but eating sticks of it can act almost as a toothbrush. It can scrape away harmful food particles and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. It’s also a great source of Vitamin A and C which can boost the health of your gums too. If you’re not a fan of celery, try topping it with cream cheese for a tastier snack.
Almonds are great for your teeth due to their high calcium and protein levels. As they are low in sugar, they can be enjoyed at any time of day, as a snack or with a meal. Don’t eat too many though as they are high in fats.
Along with enjoying these foods, it is important to drink plenty of fluids – especially water.
Remember that your diet makes a huge difference to maintaining a healthy smile but the most important actions are brushing, flossing and using mouthwash twice daily and visiting your dentist regularly.
To book a check-up appointment with one of our friendly dentists at Marquess Dental, call us today on 01248 787878.
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