Foods Your Smile Will Love!
The foods we eat and drinks we enjoy greatly affect our teeth and gums. Some foods are seriously detrimental to our smile, while others are incredibly beneficial. Dr. Chan has some helpful tips to keep your smile healthy and happy! Check out these foods to help keep your smile strong and protected against bacteria!
Water
Water is the absolute best drink for your smile. Our bodies need water to function properly and that is especially true for our smile. Water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, and it keeps our breath fresh. Dry mouth can cause bad odor and can contribute to oral health issues like gum disease and dental decay. You should try to drink water throughout the day to keep your breath fresh and your teeth clean. Not only will you feel more energized, your smile will feel clean and shiny!
Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and pears all help to keep your teeth and gums clean. This is because they gently rub plaque buildup from your smile as you are chewing. Fibrous fruits increase your production of saliva which also helps to wash away food particles. While a healthy snack is no replacement for proper brushing, it can be helpful to keep your smile clean throughout the day until you are able to properly brush. Our dentist near Manalapan recommends choosing an apple or carrot during the middle of the day to help keep your smile clean and your breath fresh!
Dairy
Our smile needs calcium to stay strong and healthy! Dairy products contain high levels of calcium, and many milk alternatives are fortified with calcium. Calcium helps to keep our enamel strong and protected from dental decay. Our enamel can't be regenerated after it is worn down, so we need to do everything we can to help protect it. Aside from calcium, some dairy products also include phosphate. Phosphate helps to balance the pH level in our mouth. Yogurt contains probiotics which stimulates the gums and fights off gum disease. If you are looking for a healthy snack to keep your teeth strong, go for a light dairy snack like yogurt or cheese!
Leafy Greens
Foods like spinach, lettuce, and kale contain lots of vitamins and nutrients that your smile will love. Leafy greens strengthen your enamel and help to prevent gum disease. Foods like spinach and kale also contain high levels of magnesium and iron which helps to polish your teeth and prevent staining. Our dentist near Manalapan suggests adding more greens into your diet to help fortify your smile and protect your gums from harmful bacteria.
Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts are a great source of protein and calcium. They are also low-carb which helps to prevent dental decay. High carb foods can produce bacteria that can be harmful to your smile, so nuts are an excellent alternative. Add mixed nuts to yogurt or a salad for a simple healthy boost to your meal.
Lean Proteins
Proteins like lean chicken, meat, fish, and eggs all contain high levels of protein that are beneficial for your smile. Protein helps to strengthen your enamel and increase saliva production. This is so important because it helps to wash away food particles and debris from our smile. Our dentist near Manalapan recommends flossing after eating meat because it is more likely to get caught between your teeth.