During a lot of your life, you’ve probably heard plenty about what foods you should avoid in the interest of dental health. Sugar, soft drinks and citrus fruits have been implicated in deteriorating dental health. Your dentist may also advise against eating hard foods like candy, especially for those who have existing dental work that can be damaged by tough to crack foods. However, you may not know that there are some dental superfoods that are actually great for your teeth.
You can take an active role in promoting good dental health and hygiene by eating the right kinds of foods. Ask your dentist in Aliso Viejo, CA, what foods you should eat to strengthen your teeth and neutralize decay causing threats. In the meantime, keep reading to learn about a few foods that aren’t just shockingly good, but shockingly good for your dental health as well!
Cheese
Cheese? Yes, cheese is a great nutritional supplement that’s not only delicious but nutritious as well. While the calcium present in cheese can improve your dental health, it’s the alkalizing effect of cheese that has the biggest role in promoting the health of your teeth. Acidic foods like citrus, sugar, and soft drinks can damage your teeth. However, cheese consumed immediately after eating these foods can offset that potential risk by combatting those destructive acids.
Oranges
We know what you’re thinking. Didn’t we just say that citrus fruits can lead to tooth damaging acidity in the mouth? While it’s true that some highly acidic citrus fruits can damage tooth enamel through excess acidity, oranges are less acidic than many other citrus fruits. Also, they’re loaded with vitamin C, which plays a critical role in maintaining oral health by strengthening the blood vessels in the gums and reducing inflammation. And there’s no need to rush to brush after eating an orange. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before breaking out the toothpaste.
Crunchy Fruits and Veg
Let’s face it, you don’t always have a toothbrush handy right after a meal. But you can stack the odds in your favor by incorporating nature’s tooth scourers into your lunch box. Fresh, crispy, high-fiber fruits and vegetables are delicious, and they have the added benefit of a crisp, fibrous texture that acts as a toothbrush when you consume them. Think of carrots, celery, and apples for examples. With each bite into these nutritional powerhouses, you’re not only getting the benefit of brushing but you’re also getting nutrients that can improve overall dental health.
Chewing Gum with Xylitol
Now, hear us out. We know you’ve probably heard ad nauseum that gum can be terrible for your dental health. But it’s not all gum that wreaks havoc on the teeth. It’s primarily the sugary sort that does the most damage to your dental health. Some gum promotes oral health thanks to a natural sweetening agent known as xylitol. Xylitol is beneficial not just because it replaces sugar, but because it increases saliva production. That creates an environment in your mouth that is unfavorable for bad bacteria to thrive. Also, xylitol can help balance the bacteria population in your mouth by encouraging the good and reducing the bad.
If you’re tired of only hearing about foods that damage your teeth, check out some of these foods that provide a long lists of oral health benefits. To learn more about some dental superfoods that are good for your teeth, contact Turner Dental Care at (949) 770-3294.
