When it comes to great dental health for both kids and adults, there’s no better way to look after your teeth than with the right kinds of food. Here at Great Smiles, we know that having a nutritious diet filled with healthy food options is one of the best ways to maintain strong teeth and gums. Whether you’re trying to mix school lunches for your kids or simply wish to supplement your own diet with tooth-friendly snack options, we’ve got an awesome guide on the best food choices for keeping your smile full of great vibes!
Does Your Diet Really Affect Your Oral Health? Yes!
Maintaining a healthy diet isn’t just good for your waistline – it’s also important for your oral health. Your diet can impact the health of your gums, teeth, and even your breath. But what’s the breakdown of the best and worst foods for your teeth?
Consuming foods that are high in calcium, such as dairy products, can strengthen your teeth and bones. Adding crunchy fruits and vegetables into your diet can also help scrape away plaque and bacteria that can lead to bad breath, bringing you a healthy mouth with the power of fibrous foods.
On the other hand, eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbs can lead to decay and periodontal disease. Starchy or sugary foods leave behind food particles that cavity-causing bacteria love to chow down on, leaving behind sticky plaque buildup from acid production. Plaque-causing bacteria make it hard to keep teeth clean and impact gum health.
The Best Foods for Good Dental Health Benefits
- Leafy Greens & Veggies (Spinach & Bell Peppers with Calcium and Folic Acid for Healthy Teeth)
- Whole Grains (Brown Rice and Oats with Vitamin B & Magnesium – Nice!)
- Green and Black Teas (Polyphenols in Black & Green Tea Make Fighting Bacteria Easy!)
- Phosphorous-Rich Foods (Lean Proteins, Pumpkin Seeds, Tofu, and Fish Prevent Tooth Decay)
- Sugarless Gum (Wash Away Oral Bacteria After Meals – Emphasis on Sugar-Free!)
Not-So-Healthy Foods to Avoid!
- Starchy Foods (Potato Chips and Bread Can Make Oral Hygiene Hard!)
- Sugary Treats (Duh! Avoid Candy and Soda for Healthier Gums and Teeth)
- Sticky Foods (Dried Fruit and Other Foods Get Trapped in Your Healthy Smile)
Superfood Snacks for Preventing Gum Disease & Tooth Decay
Who said that snacks can’t be healthy and yummy at the same time? Not only are our favorite foods delicious, but they’re also great for preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Let’s look at our top types of foods that will help keep your smile shining bright!
Enjoy Some Fruits and Vegetables
Everybody knows that leafy greens and fresh fruits are important for a balanced diet. Not only are they packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that support overall health, but they also keep teeth healthy!
Crunchy fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are nutrient-rich foods that naturally clean teeth when eaten raw, and green, leafy vegetables are packed full of the things that your teeth (and entire body) need to prevent cavities, build strong bones, and protect tooth enamel – folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, and more!
So why not add some color to your plate and satisfy your sweet tooth by eating apples or enjoying a roasted vegetable medley? Your taste buds – and your teeth – will thank you!
Cheese and Milk for Healthy Chompers
Who knew that cheese and milk could be so good for your teeth? Not only do these calcium-rich foods provide essential nutrients for good bone density, but they also help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth that can contribute to cavities.
Plus, dairy products (especially cheese) stimulate saliva flow, which helps wash away plaque and fight bacteria. So next time you’re reaching for a snack, don’t forget that a little bit of cheese or a glass of milk can go a long way in keeping your chompers in tip-top shape!
Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water!
Drinking plenty of water is not only good for keeping you hydrated, but it helps your whole body! Did you know that staying well-hydrated is also great for your smile? Drinking water after meals helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities while also increasing saliva production. More saliva helps your gums heal, fights oral diseases, and keeps your teeth protected during and after you eat.
So, cheers to staying hydrated with plenty of water!
Bright Smiles Start with Healthy Teeth and Gums
Most of us know not to chow down on sugary snacks, but eating foods that promote oral health and fight gum disease can also have incredible effects on your smile! Eating the best foods for teeth (while maintaining healthy habits) will prevent cavities, bring you fresh breath, and offer you good oral health benefits for your whole life!
Want to talk to some smile pros about the best things that you can do for your little one’s grin? It’s time to reach out to Great Smile Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics! We take care of our community’s littlest smiles while providing expert orthodontic care for the whole family. Reach out today to get started with our team in North Carolina!
