Good nutrition is so important as it’s always the right time to eat healthy. What we choose to eat and drink affects all aspects of our wellbeing. Outside of concerns about enjoying too much sugar, we may not often think about how our daily diet affects our dental health. Here are some great tips on what you can do AND eat to support healthy teeth and gums.
When You Eat is Important
It’s not only what you eat but when you eat that can affect your dental health. Keeping snacking to a minimum not only makes sense as you often aren’t able to brush after snacking but you produce more saliva when eating a full meal. And saliva is great at washing food from your mouth and the harmful acids that can cause decay along with it.
Drink Water
Water is beneficial for your teeth in several ways. Not only does fluoridated water help make teeth more resistant to the acids that promote tooth decay, it also is an excellent way to flush your mouth of loose food particles when toothbrushing isn’t an option. Drinking water also means you’re not relying on sugary beverages to quench your thirst!
What You Eat
We know that eating and enjoying drinks high in sugar promotes tooth decay. And that sticky, gooey foods and treats that stay stuck to our teeth are also not the best choices outside of the rare treat. But knowing what is good for our teeth is just as important as avoiding what isn’t! By providing your body with foods that contain the right nutrients, you not only avoid problems but you also support good gum tissue health.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables help stimulate saliva production and are high in water and fiber which washes harmful acids and food particles from your teeth.
- Lean beef, skinless poultry and fish as well as beans, peas and other legumes all contain healthy protein.
- Low-fat and fat-free dairy foods are not only low in sugar but they also tooth-strengthening protein and calcium.
Remember that, in addition to brushing and flossing daily, what we eat and drink goes a long way in promoting good dental health!