It is essential to take good care of your teeth and part of that is brushing and flossing. However, many people don’t realize how much the foods they eat can affect their oral health. Today we are here to explain five foods that may be better for your teeth and gums than you realize. Remember to contact California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 if you are in need of a dental exam.
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Apples
- Greens
- Almonds
There may be other health reasons you choose to avoid cheese but taking care of your oral health should not be one of them. A study by the editors at General Dentistry found that eating chase raises the pH in the mouth. This can in turn reduce the risk of tooth decay. Cheese also requires quite a bit of chewing, which is good for saliva production. Finally, because it is full of both protein and calcium, it can help strengthen tooth enamel too.
Just like cheese, yogurt is high in both calcium and protein which helps your enamel. There are also probiotics in yogurt, which are essentially good bacteria, and they are good for the health of your gums. Just be sure when you are choosing yogurt that you are choosing brands that do not have a ton of added sugar, as that can end up leading to tooth decay.
You may think that because apples are sweet and have natural sugars that they are not good for your teeth. The fact is that the good outweighs the bad. Apples have a lot of fiber and a lot of water. When you eat a crunchy apple, your mouth will be creating a lot of saliva, which works well to rinse away bad bacteria. The texture of the apple itself also acts as a scrubber for your teeth. It should certainly not take the place of brushing but it can be a great way to end a meal with cleaner teeth.
Leafy greens are likely on just about every list of foods that are good for your overall health and that includes your teeth. They are full of minerals and vitamins and are very low in calories. Leafy greens, such as kale or spinach, also help improve overall oral health. The fact that they are high in calcium also helps them boost your enamel.
Not only are almonds delicious and filing, but they are high in calcium and protein. They are also low in sugar, which ensures they don’t harm your teeth.
If you are worried about gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues, then we recommend considering these five foods that can help improve your oral health. If you have questions, or you want to make an appointment for a dental checkup, please contact California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 today.
