Whether you’re drinking a glass of milk or eating your favorite candy, you may wonder how what you consume affects your oral health. Your nutrition can have a lasting impact on your smile and self-confidence, so it’s important to know what’s good and bad for your teeth. Years of coffee stains can take your teeth from pristine to discolored and make you self-conscious about your grin. Read on to learn about foods you can eat to give you your best smile.
Foods To Avoid
Certain food and drinks are known for staining and wearing down the enamel on your teeth, leaving them unprotected and sensitive:
- Sour candies
- Alcohol
- Dark sodas and carbonated drinks
- Acidic citrus
- Starchy foods like chips and bread
- Coffee
- Tomato sauce
For your dental diet, you want to make sure you’re not eating foods that break down your enamel like acidic fruits. Foods can help feed harmful bacteria in your mouth and result in infections and possible gum disease. In addition, certain foods like chips and bread mix with your saliva to form a gummy paste called plaque that can get trapped between your teeth and cause cavities. If you are going to eat or drink these, it’s best that you brush and floss afterward, to rinse your mouth of any harmful contents.
Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth
Certain foods can help naturally whiten your teeth and repair your enamel. Some of these include:
- Celery
- Apples
- Carrots
- Almonds
- White-colored dairy products
Fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber like celery and apples can to help scrub and clean your gums and teeth. Fibrous foods also help your mouth produce more saliva to swish away harmful bacteria. Low-sugar foods are better for your teeth and reduce the formation of bacteria. White-colored dairy products are high in calcium and serve to strengthen and brighten your mouth.
Ways to Protect Your Mouth
It’s no surprise that keeping up with your dental health is the best way to protect your mouth and keep your smile shining. It’s important to brush your teeth after every meal and if you do eat foods that are bad for you, you can rinse your mouth with water to keep plaque and tartar from building up under your gum line. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouth wash will help keep your breath fresh and mouth healthy. Don’t forget to schedule your semi-annual checkup and cleaning with your dentist, because this is an important preventive step in avoiding serious oral problems! By making nutritious choices, you can have a happier and healthier smile in the long term.
About the Practice
Our five dentists at Lake Oconee Dentistry provide you with personalized high-quality service. With over decades of combined experience, they are able to customize your treatments for anything from dental implants to emergency services. Our focus and goal is to have each of our patients leave the office feeling confident and happy about their smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us at 706-623-6385.