Brushing and flossing your teeth are crucial to protecting the enamel and maintaining a bright, white smile. Additionally, the food we eat plays an important role in oral health. The standard rule has always been, if a food can stain a white shirt, chances are it can do the same to your teeth. There are several foods that many of us consume every day that can have either favorable or adverse effects on the overall appearance and health of our teeth.
The Best Foods for Your Teeth
Milk: It’s long been known that this dairy product provides strong bones, but the high content of calcium also keeps your teeth durable while promoting oral health.
Nuts: Not only are nuts rich in vitamins and minerals, but they also stimulate the production of saliva, which is part of the mouth’s natural cleansing system.
Onions: Although onions can make your breath smell less than great, surprisingly, they contain a combination of antibacterial components that protect the teeth from decay.
Fish: Fish contain many vitamins and healthy Omega-3 fats, but it is the phosphorus in fish that’s most important for building as well as protecting tooth enamel.
The Worst Foods for Your Teeth
Dried Fruit: Fresh fruit is most often a healthy food choice. Dried fruit, on the other hand, is usually packed with added sugar that becomes a primary cause of cavities once it gets in between teeth.
Vinegar: Since vinegar is extremely acidic, it can actually remove surface stains from the teeth and make them whiter. However, the high concentration of acid also eats away the enamel, causing tooth decay.
Saltine Crackers: These bland crackers can actually be harmful to teeth because they are almost entirely made of starch, which is byproduct of sugar. As you chew them up, they become stuck in your teeth for an extended period of time, leading to tooth decay.
Berries: Although berries are filled with vitamins and antioxidants, the acidity and dark color can erode enamel and permanently stain your teeth.
One of the best and easiest ways to keep your mouth clean throughout the day is to drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum that contains xylitol after every meal. This not only increases saliva production in your mouth, but it keeps bacteria from forming.
Feel free to contact our Beverly Hills practice for all of your dental needs. To schedule a consultation with our board certified cosmetic dentist, please call (310) 273-0111 or fill out an online consultation form. Dr. Sands looks forward to meeting you and helping you attain the best smile possible.