The Best and Worst Foods That Promote Dental Health

Regular brushing, flossing and checkups rid your mouth of plaque and keep periodontal disease at bay. Best guess. This isn’t new or earth-shattering information. Especially if you subscribe to this blog regularly or Like us on Facebook.

But, what about what you’re putting in your body. And more importantly, what are you chewing with your teeth?

You are what you eat.

Research finds that certain foods promote oral health. Alternatively, certain foods contribute to tooth decay, enamel erosion and periodontal disease. Boo. Hiss.

Use this list of the best and worst offenders to improve the health of your mouth.

The best and worst foods that promote dental health

Dental health winners

Dairy Products

Milk, yogurt and cheese isn’t only good for your bones. The calcium in dairy products replaces the minerals your teeth loose from eating other foods.

Fruits and Vegetables

Foods rich in fiber—like fruits and veggies—stimulate saliva flow defending against cavities and gum disease.

Teas

Green and black tea contain polyphenols that kill or suppresses bacteria, preventing them from becoming tooth-attacking acid.

Fluoride

In addition to being commonly found in drinking water, foods such as poultry, seafood and powered cereals contain fluoride. Fluoride interferes with the process of tooth decay.

Dental health losers

Sticky Candy and Sugary Treats

This is a bit of a no brainer. Sugar stuck to your teeth erodes your teeth and eventually leads to cavities and bone loss.

Starchy Foods

Bread, potato chips, French fries and popcorn stick to your teeth and are often missed when brushing.

Carbonated Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are doubly-dangerous. In addition to being high in sugar, they contain phosphoric and citric acids that erode enamel.

Food and Drinks That Cause Dry Mouth

Alcohol and medicines remove saliva, which cleans and protects your teeth. Fluoride rinse or fluoride gel may help, if you’re undergoing long-term pharmacological treatments.

Combine this list of foods that promote dental health with good dental hygiene habits for a healthy smile.

Yes, crowns, fillings and whitening products can treat declining dental health. Prevention is easier and cheaper. Your diet makes a big difference when it comes to a healthy smile.