In our last blog, we talked about the harm that soft drinks can cause to your teeth. On the flip side, there are a number of foods that can help ensure your smile stays as healthy as possible. As can be expected there are also numerous ones that can hurt your teeth and the overall health of your mouth. While we by no means want to police what you eat and drink, it is helpful for you to know the impacts of what you are consuming, so you can make informed decisions. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA, dentist discusses some of the best and worst foods for your smile.
Foods That Can Help
The foods that are best for your oral health are also ones that are good for you overall. They all provide you with the necessary nutrients and minerals that keep your teeth and gums at their best. Avocados are rich in healthy fats and contain prebiotic fibers that benefit the probiotic bacteria in your mouth. Even though spinach might get caught in your teeth, it contains myriad nutrients that help ensure your gums are healthy and remain uninflamed. Similar to avocados, Kefir, a yogurt-like drink has helpful probiotics that help the good bacteria in your mouth and hinder the bad ones that cause decay. It also has lots of calcium which can strengthen your enamel. Finally, apples can help out if you can’t brush after a meal. Their crunch stimulates saliva, which can assist in washing food particles off of your teeth. By eating these foods, you are ensuring your teeth and mouth are healthy, which minimizes the chances of you needing cosmetic or restorative procedures down the road — like veneers, crowns, or bridges.
Foods That Hurt
The foods that hurt your mouth are not too surprising. Sweet foods, for instance, can promote tooth decay. Sticky foods, even dried fruits, can also cause damage. They stick to your teeth, which can lead to decay. Food particles sticking to your teeth are common sources of bad bacteria. It is impossible to avoid these at all times, so make sure you brush and floss after eating them — or have an apple if you can’t. Sodas are well-known to harm your mouth, but did you know that both coffee and tea can as well? They both contain acids that wear down enamel and adding milk or sugar can cause the acid to remain on your teeth longer. We are by no means saying to always avoid these, but make sure you limit your intake. If left unchecked, the decay that these foods and drinks cause can lead to the need for serious dental procedures down the road, like extraction.
Contact Us To Learn More About Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
We want you to have the healthiest smile possible, so we are always happy to provide information that will help ensure your teeth are in the best shape. To ask questions or to schedule an appointment, please call Balboa Dental Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, today at 949-630-0143.
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