We all know that sugary foods will lead to tooth decay and cavities, but did you know that some foods are actually good for your teeth? If you’re feeling in a snacky mood, then try these foods which are healthy and good for your oral health!
Cucumbers
Did you know that a slice of cucumber that you hold up against the palate of your mouth for just 90 seconds can reduce bad breath? Cucumbers are also high in fiber and because they are crunchy, they actually scrub your teeth. Having a high water content also helps coat your mouth so it doesn’t dry out. Chewing on cucumbers will produce saliva to help wash away any bad bacteria in your mouth.
Cheese
Cheese is full of calcium which is good for teeth. Cheese also neutralizes plaque acid which helps reduce new cavities from forming. This tasty dairy product makes your mouth more alkaline. The more alkaline your mouth is, the more protected your teeth are against enamel erosion. To make your mouth alkaline, you need to have a higher pH level. Even drinking milk and eating yogurt did not change pH levels in a study, but eating cheese rapidly increased pH levels.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the…dentist away? Eating apples can cleanse and brighten your teeth with their slightly acidic nature, and their fibrous texture will gently scrub your pearly whites. However, because of their acidic properties, you should definitely rinse your mouth with water vigorously after eating an apple because this high level of sugar and acidity can actually erode the enamel of your teeth.
Strawberries
Strawberries can gently brush your teeth to give you a whiter smile, but since their tiny seeds can easily get trapped in-between your teeth, you should floss after eating these tasty berries.
Carrots
Carrots are a crisp vegetable whose abrasive texture will stimulate your gums and scrub sticky, cavity-causing plaque from your teeth. They also trigger saliva which rinses away harmful plaque and even scrubs away stains.
The best thing you can do for your oral health is schedule regular cleanings and dental check-ups. Ready to get a healthy and bright smile? Call Middletown Commons Family Dental for an appointment today!
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FAQs
Some top picks include: Apples: Apples are rich in fiber and water, and their crunchy texture helps scrub away plaque and food particles from the teeth. Carrots: Carrots are packed with vitamin A, which is essential for healthy gums. Their crisp texture makes them an excellent choice for promoting oral hygiene.
What foods are best for oral health? ›
The good guys
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods with fiber help keep your teeth and gums clean, says the American Dental Association (ADA). ...
- Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products. Cheese is another saliva maker. ...
- Green and black teas. ...
- Sugarless chewing gum. ...
- Foods with fluoride.
Crunchy vegetables, lettuce, nuts, meat, cheese, almond butter (no added sugar), eggs, and water. Snacks that won't usually cause cavities: Snacks like smoothies, berries, oatmeal, milk, fresh and crunchy fruits, yogurt, popcorn, whole grains, ice cream, and dark chocolate.
What should people with weak teeth and gums eat? ›
Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt
Cheese is one of the best foods for healthy teeth for a number of reasons. First, it is low in sugar and high in calcium. It contains casein, which is a protein that is particularly useful for fortifying tooth enamel. Cheese is high in calcium, which is important for maintaining bone density.
What fruit snacks are good for your teeth? ›
Fruit Snacks for Kids Teeth
Best: Fresh fruit is actually the best option, as there's plenty of fiber and nutrients to balance out the carbohydrates. Dried fruit is also a good alternative, although it can tend to stick to the surfaces of teeth and have a high sugar content.
What foods are good for your teeth nerves? ›
Foods that help toothaches
- Oatmeal.
- Soft fruits.
- Applesauce.
- Cottage cheese.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Puddings, custards and gelatin.
- Milkshakes and smoothies (use a spoon if pain is present using a straw)
What are the Foods That Are Good for dental gum health?
- Dairy products like yogurt, cheese.
- Vegetables like carrots, celery, and green leafy vegetables.
- Fruits like apples, blueberries, and blackberries.
- Nuts like Almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
- Protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and white meat.
High in phosphate and calcium, cheese (and milk) helps neutralize the acid in the mouth, killing bacteria and preserving tooth enamel. This prevents cavities and gum disease. Chewing celery (or apples or carrots) produces saliva, neutralizing the bacteria Streptococcus mutans that causes cavities.
What foods hydrate your mouth? ›
7 Best Foods To Eat When You Have Dry Mouth
- Moisture-Rich Fruits. Incorporating moisture-rich fruits into your diet can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and keep your mouth hydrated. ...
- Crunchy Vegetables. ...
- Dairy Products. ...
- Herbal Teas and Broths. ...
- Sugar-Free Gum and Candies. ...
- Healthy Fats. ...
- Hydrating Soups.
Kids love carbs, but cracker snacks are a horrible choice for your child's oral health. Graham crackers, goldfish crackers, and other types of crackers all turn into sugar once they're on your child's teeth, which means they increase the risk of cavities as much as eating candy does.
Healthy Treats and Sugar-Free Snacks to Keep a Healthy Mouth
- Carrots, celery, and broccoli. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli are high in fiber, making them good snack choices. ...
- Cheese, milk, and yogurt. Think dairy when it comes to snacks. ...
- Sugarless chewing gums. ...
- Pears, melons, and apples. ...
- Water.
Raisins. As far as sugar content goes, a box of raisins can go toe-to-toe with any candy bar or can of soda. What makes raisins even worse is that they get stuck in your teeth, so the sugar lingers in your mouth and does even more damage.
What foods remove tartar from teeth? ›
Carrots. Just like leafy greens and apples, carrots are full of fiber that gently cleans away plaque on your teeth as you eat. Snacking on carrots also stimulates saliva production, which naturally washes away debris left on teeth.
What food strengthens teeth? ›
Best Food for Strong Teeth
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, and yogurt. ...
- Lean meats: chicken and turkey. ...
- Leafy vegetables: spinach and dark green lettuce. ...
- Crunchy vegetables: carrots, celery, and cucumbers. ...
- Nuts: almonds, peanuts, and walnuts. ...
- Fruits: strawberries and apples. ...
- Fish rich in omega-3: salmon and tuna.
Dental Tips of the Day
- Brush your teeth. There's no way around it: you have to brush at least twice a day to remove bacteria. ...
- Use fluoride toothpaste. ...
- Nix the sugar. ...
- Chew sugarless gum. ...
- Consume fruits and fruit juices in moderation. ...
- Get more calcium and vitamins. ...
- Decrease dairy product consumption. ...
- Try probiotics.
What am I able to eat after a tooth extraction?
- Yogurt.
- Pudding.
- Apple sauce.
- Potatoes (mashed, sweet, or regular)
- Smoothies.
- Blended soups (easy to eat, hydrating, and rich in nutrients)
- Broths (filled with minerals and essential vitamins to help you recover)
- Pureed or mashed vegetables such as squash or carrots.
Some options are:
- Bananas, applesauce, other soft fruits.
- Yogurt, pudding, jello.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Noodles and macaroni and cheese.
- Scrambled eggs or oatmeal.
- Pureed mashed vegetables (not so different from what you feed a baby)
Protein Can Keep You Satiated
A high-protein meal before you go to the dentist can help you to feel satiated for at least three hours.
What foods to avoid dental filling? ›
Sticky Foods: Sticky items such as toffee, caramel, and gum can dislodge the filling. Sugary Foods: Sugary foods and beverages can lead to tooth sensitivity and promote bacterial growth in your mouth, potentially leading to more cavities.
