What Can Food Do for My Smile?

diet and dental health arlington heights il

Your doctor has probably told you about the importance of fruits and vegetables time and again, but did you know that what you eat can have a huge impact on the health of your mouth, too? Cleaning your teeth staves off decay, but your diet also affects your teeth from the inside out. How can you give your mouth the best diet possible?

Avoid Candy and Soda

Bacteria cause tooth decay, and those bacteria feed on sugar. For this reason, sugar is one of the worst things for your teeth. Candy is often sticky, and the harmful sugars can stick on your teeth and be hard to clean away. Soda is a liquid, so it can really coat the mouth with sugar. Dark colored sodas can also stain the teeth, compounding the problem. Eating sugary foods or drinks isn’t the end of the world – an occasional treat is fine. Just be sure to drink plenty of water to wash out your mouth, and brush your teeth after eating something sweet.

No Coffee or Tea for White Teeth

Are you looking for that bright white movie star smile? Unfortunately, coffee and tea are two of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. These drinks are dark in color, so they essentially dye the teeth. They also contain tannins, an acid that causes stains. Red wine is another dark, tannic drink that can cause tooth discoloration over time. After drinking these liquids, make sure to brush your teeth well to avoid stains.

Choose Leafy Greens

Vegetables are full of nutrients that are great for strong healthy teeth, but leafy greens are some of the most nutrient-rich foods around. Greens like spinach and kale are packed with iron, calcium, and other minerals that are key for strong teeth. They are also a great source of folic acid, which has been shown to reduce tooth decay.

Dairy for Strong Bones and Teeth

Calcium is key to strong bones, and to healthy teeth as well. A diet containing plenty of calcium ensures strong enamel to protect your teeth. One of the best sources of calcium is dairy. Foods like cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium and are also probiotics, crowding out the bacteria that cause bad breath and decay with healthy bacteria.

Clean Your Teeth with Crunchy Foods

If you can’t get to a toothbrush after every meal, some crunchy foods can almost do the job for you. Carrots, celery, and apples are all crisp an crunchy plants that scrape food particles off the surfaces of the teeth. Chewing them also stimulates saliva production, which helps clean your mouth.

Schedule an Appointment

Do you have questions about how a healthy diet can keep your teeth healthy? AH Smiles in Arlington Heights, IL is happy to help. Our dentists are willing to answer questions about your teeth and offer advice on maintaining the health of your smile. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or at (847) 230-9703.