With so much attention paid to hygiene, you may not realize how much your lifestyle affects your teeth; specifically, your diet. What you eat (or what you don’t) can make or break your teeth no matter how diligent your brushing is. But it’s not all bad: some foods can even keep your teeth healthier between dental check-ups.
What to Avoid
Sugar
You probably know that sugar is bad for your teeth. The bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease feed on sugar, so sugary foods and drinks can really wreak havoc on your teeth. This includes foods such as:
- Candy
- Soda
- Sweet fruit
These foods can be OK in moderation, but be sure to drink plenty of water to wash away the sugars, or even brush your teeth after eating.
Dark Drinks
While not necessarily bad for you, dark drinks that are rich in tannins are among the leading causes of tooth discoloration. This includes popular options including tea, coffee and wine. Again, brush your teeth after drinking to minimize stains.
What to Eat
Apples, Carrots, and Celery
Apples and carrots are both quite sweet, so you might think they would be bad for your teeth. The crunchy texture, however, means that these foods work almost like a toothbrush, scraping the tooth surfaces clean.
Dairy
Everyone knows that milk builds strong bones. This is because milk is high in calcium, an essential nutrient for healthy bones. Calcium is important for teeth, too, and helps build strong enamel. Cultured dairy, such as yogurt and sour cream, is even better. These foods are probiotics, and their healthy bacterial population can help crowd out the bad decay-causing bacteria in your mouth.
Dark Green Vegetables
Dark leafy greens such as spinach are nutrient powerhouses. Like dairy, they contain calcium and a wealth of other vitamins and minerals that are important to a healthy mouth. One of the most important of these is folic acid, which helps reduce gum inflammation and disease, thus reducing your chances of tooth loss.
Schedule an Appointment
Of course, no healthy mouth is complete without regular dental checkups. During your visits, we can help maintain your oral health and make recommendations on how to improve your routine. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Karl and Walter Neuhaus at Creekside Dentistry in Amherst, NY, contact us on our website or at (716) 262-8070.