September is Teeth-safe Food Month! Food is a very important aspect of our lives and affects our health in countless ways. Being knowledgeable about which foods are healthy and which are destructive to your teeth is essential in maintaining a bright, healthy smile.
Cavities, one of the most common dental issues, are usually caused by what we eat. One of the most common causes of cavities is refined sugar. When we eat refined sugar, it is broken down by bacteria and turned into acid. It will then begin to dissolve the tooth enamel. The frequency of sugar consumption is actually more dangerous to your oral health than the amount of sugar you have in one sitting. So what are some of the best ways to still enjoy your favorite sugary snacks and keep your teeth safe?
- If you want to snack, find substitutes! Many delicious snacks are much better for your teeth than candy and sweets but can still satisfy your cravings for something tasty! Try snacking on berries or yogurt – they are both sweet and good for your teeth!
- Eat sweets at a time you know you will brush soon afterward. Most people will brush their teeth pretty soon after eating a meal. Therefore, this is one of the best times to consume a sweet treat. If you’re snacking on sweets at a random time during the day, you are less likely to brush until later, and the sugar will have more time to sit on your teeth and will be more likely to damage them.
- Avoid having sugar in your mouth for an extended time. Some examples of this are soda and candies you suck on, such as lollipops. If you want to enjoy a sugary snack, a quick dessert like a piece of cake or pie is much better. When you are eating something quickly, the saliva in your mouth will be hard at work washing the debris away.
Having a balanced diet can make or break your oral health. The right foods will keep your teeth safe while simultaneously keeping your gums and bones healthy. Discovering foods you enjoy that are also rich in vitamins is very important and not that difficult to do! Foods full of vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and calcium are some of the best options for strong teeth and healthy gums. Here are some of our picks…
- Dark green leafy vegetables. When people think of calcium, they usually think of milk. However, certain leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collard greens are chock full of calcium and will keep your teeth strong.
- Citrus. Whether you prefer fresh-squeezed orange juice or peeling and eating a clementine, citrus is delicious, rich in vitamin C, and perfect for keeping your soft mouth tissue healthy.
- Meat. Meats such as chicken and fish are versatile and delicious. You can’t go wrong with either because there are so many ways to cook and season them! In addition to this, they contain vitamin B12, which is great for keeping your gums healthy.
- Beans, seeds, and nuts. These three foods have endless uses and can enhance many meals. They also contain folic acid, which will strengthen the supporting soft tissue in your mouth.
- Dairy. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt will kill two birds with one stone. They contain both calcium and vitamin B12, which are beneficial to the health of your gums and teeth!
Food allergies are unfortunately quite common. Most of the foods listed above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to food that is beneficial to your oral health. You have endless options and will never get bored! Making sure you eat a wide variety of foods with the above vitamins and minerals will improve your oral health and add to your well-being. We can give you lots of healthy teeth tips on our blog, but it’s always better to come to visit us! Give us a call today at (254) 729-8400 to schedule a visit! Learn to have a pain-free wisdom teeth recovery from reading this post.