Have you heard about the foods that are detrimental to your teeth? You’re likely aware of how soft drinks and sugary foods can wear down the enamel of your teeth. It’s true. Some foods and drinks negatively impact your mouth health. But did you know there are certain foods that actually help maintain or improve the strength of your teeth? 

Nourishment and oral care go hand in hand. While eating the right things is important, coming to see us twice a year is an equal part of your oral health! Is it time for your checkup? Call Andover Smiles today at 978-396-3935 to visit us in North Andover, MA. You can also request an appointment online.

Food For A Healthier Smile

You might already be eating a diet that’s full of nutrients for your teeth. If you’re a fan of calcium-rich snacks or love your veggies, it’s likely that your mouth is already benefiting from what you’re choosing to eat!

Foods that are high in calcium but low in fat, like fat-free milk, low-fat cheese, and yogurt are all excellent for your teeth. Are you a vegetarian or vegan? You’re probably still eating some great things. Consuming dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale, will also set your mouth on the right track. You can also get your protein from alternative sources, such as almonds or tofu. 

Water-soluble foods and fresh fruit or vegetables are also great choices for your teeth. These will help clear plaque from your teeth. They’re also rich in Vitamin C, which will help protect your gums from damage.

Your enamel is a coating on your teeth. Enamel will keep your teeth protected from decay and daily stress, like chewing or grinding. If you’re regularly digging into protein sources — eggs, meat, fish, and poultry, specifically — that’s a great first step in protecting your enamel and bone density. 

Are My Drink Choices Good Ones? 

You’ve probably heard that soft drinks aren’t a great choice for your teeth. But did you know that other drinks can also damage your enamel or leave teeth weakened? 

  • Soft drinks – In addition to enamel erosion, soft drinks can also cause cavities, or small holes in your teeth. Cavities will cause permanent damage to the tooth, and cause other undesirable side effects like toothaches, infection, or tooth loss. If you can’t give up your soft drinks, try to limit it, only drink through a straw, or brush your teeth an hour after drinking it.
  • Alcohol – Alcohol will dry out your mouth. When the flow of saliva is affected, the risk for gum disease and tooth decay increases, leaving your mouth susceptible to damage. 
  • Coffee – If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you might want to consider cutting back. Coffee is acidic, and can erode your enamel. 
  • Tea – Tea can stain your teeth, due to the tannins that give it the brown color. If you love to drink tea, make sure to brush your teeth regularly to avoid staining.

Fluoride-enriched water is always the best choice for quenching your thirst. 

It’s a great idea to incorporate some of the foods listed above into your diet. Come in for your biannual checkup to continue your oral care. Call Andover Smiles today at 978-396-3935 to visit us in North Andover, MA. You can also request an appointment online.