It would be ideal if we could all carry our toothbrushes and toothpaste around with us as we go about our day, pulling them out and giving our teeth a good brushing after every meal and snack. Realistically, though, that’s just not going to happen. We are busy, we are out and about. There must be a better way to keep teeth clean throughout the day.
While some foods — particularly those heavy in sugars and other carbs — will feed harmful bacteria and contribute to tooth decay, other foods can actually help keep your mouth clean and promote good oral hygiene between brushings.
To learn more about the connection between diet and oral health or book your next checkup at Dr. James Ross, Family, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry in Novi, MI, call us at 248-697-2487 today. You may also use our online form to request an appointment.
Cheese
You are probably aware that all dairy products are good for your teeth — they provide essential calcium, a mineral that keeps your tooth enamel strong and able to resist damage from harmful bacteria. But cheese specifically appears to go further. It raises the pH levels of the mouth, creating an environment that neutralizes acids and bacteria. It also contains proteins called caseins, which form a protective coating over the enamel.
Carrots and Crunchy Vegetables
You can’t go wrong with snacking on raw carrots, celery, bell pepper, and other crunchy vegetables. Not only will you be giving your body a good vitamin boost, but their crunchy texture and high fiber content stimulate the gums as you chew and increase saliva flow — which rinses away food particles and bacteria and helps keep your mouth clean.
Apples
If you’re craving a bit of sugar but don’t want to harm your dental health, we have good news for you: even though they’re sweet, apples are an oral health win. Like crunchy vegetables, they are loaded with fiber and promote the production of cleansing saliva.
Nuts
Nuts are a great and tooth-friendly alternative to carb-heavy snacks like chips and pretzels. Nuts are low in carbohydrates, high in protein and nutrients, and help cleanse the mouth between brushings by stimulating saliva.
Sugarless Chewing Gum
Gums that contain sugar are a big oral health no-no — but sugarless gum is your oral health ally. The action of chewing it increases the saliva in your mouth, thereby neutralizing harmful acids and bacteria.
Water
If you go to any grocery or convenience store, the selection of sports drinks, sodas, and other sweetened beverages is staggering. And unfortunate, as the best drink for your oral health is plain old water. And while bottled water is fine in a pinch, the best water of all is that from your faucet. Most municipalities fortify their water supply with enamel-strengthening fluoride. We recommend you get a reusable water bottle, fill it each morning, and carry it around with you throughout the day.
While brushing and flossing and regular dental visits are important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, diet is also important to your oral health. To book your next visit at Dr. James Ross, Family, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry in Novi, MI, call 248-697-2487 or fill out our online form.