Brushing and flossing is not the only way to strengthen your gums and teeth, just like every other part of your body, your teeth need nutrition too. Foods rich in calcium and phosphorus are the best for keeping your gums and teeth strong and healthy. Also, crunchy foods that are high in water help gently scrub your teeth and reduce risk of cavities. However, foods and beverages that are high is sugar, acidity and caffeine do more damage than good to your dental hygiene.
Foods rich in calcium and phosphorus
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Nuts & seeds
These are a few of the best foods for healthy gums and teeth due to their high level of calcium and phosphorus. Cheese, yogurt, eggs, nuts and seeds all help restore tooth enamel, which acidic foods erode. Enamel are minerals that coat the outer layer of each tooth, it’s important to have enamel because it helps keep our teeth nice and strong. Cheese is great food in restoring tooth enamel. A study published in the 2013 issue of General Dentistry, found that cheese raised the pH in the subjects’ mouths and lowered their risk of tooth decay.
Crunchy foods high in water
- Celery
- Apples
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
Crunchy foods that are high in water, such as, the ones listed above, are great in strengthening your teeth because they require chewing, which is the best natural neutralizer of the bacteria that causes cavities. Celery, apples, cucumbers and carrots’ rough texture also aid in cleaning your teeth because they act as a toothbrush, and help scrub off plaque and food particles. Unfortunately, chips and popcorn cannot be substituted for one of the crunchy foods listed above.
Foods high in sugar, acidity and/or caffeine
- Candy
- Soda
- Lemons and limes
- Coffee
While candy and soda do taste good, the mark that they leave behind on your teeth is a negative result. Eating excess amounts of food that are high in sugar, acidity and caffeine produce plaque bacteria, which then develops into acids that attack your enamel. One way to combat this effect is to swap out a lollipop for an apple. Also, foods that are high in acidity and caffeine stain your teeth. This problem can be fixed by your dentist during your bi-annual cleaning, but to avoid further discoloration you should leave out creamer and sugar from your morning cup of coffee.
At Cannon Park Dental, we care about your dental hygiene, that’s why we compiled a list of foods for you to keep in your pantry, and a list of foods to toss out. If you’ve drunk a few too many cups of coffee, and can visibly see a stain on your teeth, please give us a call at (843) 723-5346, we’d be happy to set up an appointment for you.