We spend a lot of time telling you what NOT to eat to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Sugary foods and drinks are the main things you should stay away from. In this blog, we’ll tell you about some everyday foods that, along with good brushing and flossing, will help keep your mouth and teeth in great shape.
Celery
Celery has a bad reputation for being bland, watery, and full of annoying strings, but like carrots and apples, it scrapes food particles and bacteria off your teeth like a toothbrush. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that help keep your gums healthy. Add cream cheese to the celery to make it taste even better.
Chewing Gum
We don’t know if this is food or not, and we strongly advise you not to swallow it. But, as many claims, gum is good for your teeth as long as it doesn’t have any sugar. This is because chewing increases the flow of saliva, which helps wash away harmful acids better. It also makes your breath smell better, which is a nice bonus.
Cheese
Cheese is very good for your teeth. It has a lot of phosphate and calcium, naturally strengthening teeth and bones. It also helps balance the pH level in your mouth, which means less harmful acid, more saliva, and fewer cavities.
Yogurt
Like cheese, yogurt has a lot of calcium and protein, so it’s a good choice for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Yogurt has probiotics, which are good bacteria. The good bacteria crowd out the bacteria that cause cavities, which is good for your gums. If you decide to eat more yogurt, choose a plain kind with no added sugar.
Carrots
Carrots are fibrous and crisp like apples. When you eat a few raw carrots after a meal, your mouth produces more saliva, which lowers your risk of developing cavities. Carrots are a wonderful source of vitamin A and are high in fibre. You can add some raw carrot slices to a salad or eat some baby carrots by themselves.
Water
We know water isn’t food, but it’s important to mention. Water is important not only for your body but also for your mouth. Water helps get rid of any sticky, unhealthy, or bad for your teeth foods you may have eaten. You can’t brush and floss your teeth with water, but it can help you until you can get a toothbrush. Aim to drink as much water as your body weight in ounces every day.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens that do the job well include spinach, kale, arugula, collard greens, and Swiss chard. They are low in calories, full of vitamins and minerals, and should be a part of everyone’s diet. They are also high in calcium and folic acid, which means they are very good for your teeth. If you have trouble getting enough greens, make a green smoothie with banana, spinach, milk, and berries.
Need Help to Have Healthy Teeth & Mouth?
To learn more about keeping your mouth healthy, visit the SkyRise Dental team in Thornhill, Ontario, and get more tips for the perfect smile. Make your appointment today!