Food Choices For Great Oral Health
We are passionate about helping our patients avoid the need for dental treatments. One of the easiest ways to improve your oral health is to make wise food and drink choices and decisions. We want to share some foods you should include in your diet and others you should avoid to help your oral health.
Healthy Food Choices
To best help your oral health, it is important to make wise food choices. There are many options that are ideal for helping your teeth and gums. Some food choices that should be included in your daily diet include:
- Lean proteins
- Fish
- Leafy greens
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery, and apples
- Yogurt, cheese, and other dairy
Drink Water
Water is the best beverage option. Not only is it beneficial for your overall health, but it also helps to remove lingering food and bacteria from your mouth after eating. It is still extremely hot outside, and a sports beverage may seem like the ideal choice to help with hydration, but sports drinks are usually full of sugar and can promote oral health complications. We always recommend drinking water as the best option.
Foods to Avoid
We often say that foods high in sugar are not ideal for oral health. This includes chewy, sticky, and gummy candy and treats. In addition, we recommend avoiding carbonated beverages, including seltzer. The acid in carbonated drinks can cause tooth enamel to break down. Foods that are high in starch, such as bread, potato chips, and crackers, can remain stuck between and in the deep grooves of the teeth. The effect on tooth enamel is the same as sugar.
The best way to ensure your teeth are healthy is to visit our office and follow our recommendations for your dental needs. If it has been longer than six months since your last oral hygiene examination, we encourage you to schedule your next visit for yourself and your loved ones. If you are in Spotswood, NJ or the surrounding area and have any further questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, please call our office. We would love to help you!
