Everyone knows how important hygiene is to healthy teeth. What you may not know is that what you eat is just as important – maybe even more so. As with the rest of our body, what we eat affects our teeth. But what foods are really good for teeth and which ones aren’t? We are here to help you find your way to a healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.
What Not to Eat
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Candy and Soda
- Sugary foods and drinks, such as candy and soda, are the classic bad boys of dental health. The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on sugar. Candy and soda are particularly pernicious sources of sugar, so unfortunately shouldn’t make it on to any good-diet list.
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Fruit
- Unfortunately, most fruit is full of sugar and can also lead to cavities. When it comes right down to it, fruit isn’t generally much better for your teeth than a lollipop.
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Coffee, Tea, and Wine
- These foods aren’t really bad for you. In fact, antioxidant-rich tea is often really good for your mouth. Unfortunately, these popular beverages are also leading causes of tooth discoloration. Their dark color and tannins mean that they can easily stain your teeth.
What to Eat
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Crunchy Foods
- Chewing on crunchy foods has two benefits. One, it stimulates saliva production, a sign of a healthy mouth. Two, the texture can actually help scrape the teeth clean. Apples are one surprising member of this list; even though they are high in sugar, their texture and water content give them a place on the good side.
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Vegetables
- Rather than fruit, give mineral-rich vegetables a try. A proper balance of nutrients and minerals is important for every element of your health. Your mouth is no different. Calcium is important for strong teeth and enamel, vitamin A also strengthens enamel, and B vitamins, particularly folic acid, fight gum inflammation and tooth decay.
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Water
- It may seem simple, but drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your mouth. Not only does it boost saliva production, it washes out your mouth to stop sugars sitting on your teeth from causing decay.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you have more questions about how diet can affect your teeth? Our personalized approach and desire to set you at ease means that we will always be happy to answer any questions you might have about how to care for your teeth. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph P. Cavallo in Woodbridge, VA, contact us online or at (703) 493-1203.
