Dental News

The Best Foods to Help Fight Tooth Decay

March 24, 2017

The Best Foods to Help Fight Tooth Decay

There’s plenty of talk about what foods not to eat if you want to avoid tooth decay, but today California Dental Group wanted to bring you better news – foods you can eat that can actually help fight tooth decay. Remember that eating these foods can help but that regular home oral care and dental cleanings and exams are an important part of the equation too! Contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make your appointment.

Fruits and veggies rich in fiber

When you eat foods that have a lot of fiber, that fiber helps to stimulate your saliva – which is your body’s natural way of fighting cavities. Not only will the saliva help wash away food and keep your mouth clean, but about 15 – 20 minutes after you eat, your saliva starts neutralizing acids that are attacking your teeth. Stick with fruits and veggies that are crisp, like carrots, apples, or celery.

Dairy products

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products include phosphates, calcium, and Vitamin D, all of which are important for the overall health of your teeth. Remember that your teeth are mostly made up of calcium, and if you don’t eat enough calcium, you could be risking a higher chance of tooth decay.

When you eat foods high in calcium, the calcium will also mix with plaque and stick to the surface of your teeth. This may sound bad, but it actually helps protect your teeth from acid and can rebuild tooth enamel. If you’re allergic to milk or don’t like the way it tastes, consider juices, soy milks, or other calcium-fortified foods and drinks.

Sugar-free gum

When you chew sugarless gum after eating, you can rinse away acid that’s so harmful to your teeth. This can help you preserve your tooth enamel, which reduces your chance of cavities. However, make sure that you’re choosing a sugarless option! If you chew gum that has sugar then you may actually be increasing your chances of getting a cavity.

In addition to rinsing away acid, sugar-free gums include an ingredient known as xylitol. Why is this so exciting? Because it’s been shown to actually help prevent decay in teeth. According to studies, xylitol can prevent oral bacteria from growing, and without the bacteria cavities can’t grow.

Black or green tea

Teas have compounds that can help prevent bacteria from growing, which can reduce the processes that lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Just make sure you don’t add any sugar to your tea!

Fluorinated water

If your drinking water has fluoride, then you’ll be helping your teeth each and every time you drink it. In fact, you don’t even have to drink it – it can also help when you use it in powdered juices, add it to soups, etc. If your tap water isn’t fluorinated, ask California Dental Group about fluoride supplements.

These foods won’t prevent tooth decay altogether but they can be one part of an overall oral health plan. For more times – and to schedule a cleaning – contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 today!

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