At Stonegate Dentistry we want your smile to be its healthiest in 2016! The foods you eat not only determine your waistline but your teeth and gum health as well. Here are some tips to help you reach your healthy smile goals:
Healthier Dietary Choices
Fruit: While fruit tends to be high in sugar, berries and apples can actually help your teeth. Low in sugar, they support your teeth, and apples help reduce plaque thanks to their high fiber content. Chewing fiber stimulates saliva production, which rinses bacteria and food particles away.
Cheese: Cheese is good for teeth because it releases calcium. Calcium protects against bacterial acids and builds tooth enamel. Eating cheese with your fruit is a good choice in protecting your chompers.
Yogurt: Unsweetened yogurt is high in calcium and protein with the added benefit of probiotics. Probiotics–good bacteria–help your oral health because the good bacteria crowds out cavity-causing bad bacteria.
Crisp vegetables: crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots help remove plaque from your teeth with their high fiber content that acts like a scrubbing agent on your teeth.
Leafy greens: Calcium-rich greens like spinach and kale make them great choices for your teeth, and most greens supply folic acid which supports oral health.
Nuts: Nuts are high in protein, and almonds are great for your smile. They are rich in calcium and delicious in salads, as snacks, or chopped and sprinkled over oatmeal.
What you drink can also greatly impact your teeth and gums. Many common choices are simply high in sugar–sodas, juices, and sports drinks, for example–and wreak havoc in your mouth. Your healthiest choice is water, as well as unsweetened drinks like herbal teas and sodas. Milk is a good for teeth because of the protein and calcium, but if you are lactose intolerant you can substitute fortified soy or almond milk.
Enhance your beautiful smile with healthy teeth and gums by maintaining your daily brushing and flossing routine and be sure to see your dentist every six months for cleanings.
At Stonegate Dentistry we want to help you make your smile your healthiest yet! If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today 512-255-1025!