By now, you know the basics of oral hygiene such as the need to brush and floss your teeth daily to remove food particles that lead to decay. While you definitely want to keep doing your part to keep plaque from forming, you may be surprised to discover that the food you eat also plays a role in the health of your teeth. Check out these foods that are good for your teeth, and consider adding them to your diet to boost your oral health.
Enjoy Some Chocolate
Candy has long been known to be bad for your teeth because the sugars turn into acids that eat away at the enamel. However, chocolate does have some redeeming qualities. For instance, dark chocolate has a special compound called cocoa bean husk that helps to harden tooth enamel, and the trace amounts of calcium in most forms of chocolate serve the same purpose. For this reason, chocolate is the safest option if you choose to indulge your sweet tooth. However, it’s still best to choose low sugar varieties.
Nibble On Some Cheese
At first glance, cheese seems like it would be less than ideal because some types stick to your teeth. Yet, cheese contains calcium and phosphates that help build enamel, and it also balances the pH levels in your mouth. For the biggest impact, choose hard cheeses that help to scrape food off of your teeth, and enjoy a nibble after you eat or drink sugary foods to counteract acid erosion.
Eat More Salmon
Salmon has many health benefits, but most people don’t think about the impact that this type of fish has on their teeth. Salmon contains high levels of vitamin D, which helps your body process calcium and put it to good use throughout the body. Since many people are low in vitamin D, adding salmon to your menu is an easy way to make sure that you get enough.
Add More Onions
Everyone knows that onions are one of the worst things you can eat before a big interview or date because they can leave you with less than savory breath. However, the same sulfur compounds that create that noxious odor also have antibacterial properties. Since tooth decay often has bacterial causes, reducing populations in your mouth helps to prevent the need for dental restorations. If you are bothered by bad breath, just grab your toothbrush and clean away any leftover odors.
Peel an Orange
Highly acidic foods are common culprits behind enamel erosion. However, oranges make up for their high acid content by being an excellent source of vitamin C, which makes them one of the best foods that are good for your teeth. Vitamin C helps to keep inflammation in your mouth at bay so that you can prevent or lessen the impact of gum disease.
While all of these foods are great ways to make your meals better for your teeth, you must remember that regular dental exams and cleanings are still important for preventing decay. If you live near the Ogden area, give our friendly staff a call today to schedule an appointment where you can enjoy learning more about how to care for your teeth in a comfortable and professional environment.