Your Toothbrush Isn’t the Only Thing That Cleans Your Teeth
The secret is out – the food you eat has an impact on your teeth and some foods are healthier for your mouth than others. Junk food and snacks like bread, chips, soft drinks, and sweets provide carbohydrates and sugar to bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria causes tooth decay and cavities. When snacking, keep your teeth in mind and reach for smart snacks.
Fibrous Foods
Foods filled with fiber scrub and clean the teeth and gums. Eating firm, crisp food after a meal can help scrub food particles and plaque from teeth until like a natural toothbrush. They also increase saliva in the mouth that help wash away bacteria and food particles until you can floss and brush normally. Munch on foods high in fiber like apples with the skin on, carrots, celery sticks, and leafy greens like kale or spinach.
Vitamins and Calcium
B vitamins help fight gingivitis, which is the beginning stage of periodontal and gum disease. Carrots and leafy greens are high in B vitamins. Snacking on cheese can protect your teeth as well as strengthen them. The calcium and casein, a protein found in cheese, strengthens teeth enamel to prevent cavities.
You might think your snack choices only affect your waistline, but it’s important to keep in mind when thinking about your dental health, too. In conjunction with a healthy, daily oral care routine and regular cleanings at Carolina Smiles Dentistry, snacking on healthy food can help you take care of your teeth.
Check with your dentist if you have any questions about the best foods to maintain your beautiful smile. We’d love to see you in our office for an appointment. Give us a call at 919-620-6700 to schedule a visit today!
*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your dentist or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.CarolinaSmilesNC.com.
