Foods That Strengthen Your Teeth and Foods That Do Not!
We all grow up with warnings that too much sugar will cause cavities. While this is true, there are a number of foods that should be enjoyed in moderation or avoided altogether to spare you some unpleasant or costly interventions at your next dental appointment.
The list of foods to stay away from is a long one, so be mindful when buying or preparing food. Below is an example of 8 troublemakers for your mouth and teeth.
Diet Soft Drinks
While diet soda eliminates high amounts of sugar from your drink, they still contain high amounts of acidity that can erode tooth enamel. Brushing after drinking a soda is also not wise as it softens the enamel making it easier to brush away. This can lead to the exposure of the inner tooth layer causing pain and sensitivity and even cavities.
Potato Chips
They seem like a great crunchy treat but once chewed they turn into a soft mess that can linger or get lodged in the tiny crevices of your teeth. And while many think chips as a savory snack, they actually have high amounts of sugar in them making their tendency to stick around that much more of a problem.
Ice
Most of us like enjoy the ice cubes left in our drinks. Although sucking on them is just fine, biting into them is not. Crunching on ice can easily chip off enamel or crack a tooth. If you can’t trust yourself to chomp down on that remaining ice, it’s best you toss it!
Dried Fruit
Fruit is very healthy and full of vitamins and nutrients, take the moisture out of fruit though and you are left with a sticky product made up of concentrated sugar entwined with bits of fibre that make it stick to the surface of your teeth. In many cases extra sugar is also added to dried fruit products. It’s important to eat dried fruit in moderation and to brush right after. In general, fresh fruit is the better choice.
Popcorn and Corn on the Cob
Dentally speaking, popcorn is not a bad snack. As long as you are flossing or brushing afterward to get bits out that get stuck in your teeth and not biting down on unpopped kernels. Also stay away from coated popcorn, caramel or toffee popcorn are sugar bombs and obviously not a great choice. As for corn on the cob, use care while biting down if you have crowns or large fillings as the focused pressure may damage these.
Sports Drinks
Sport drinks along with energy drinks are highly acidic and many are very high in sugar. An acid attack that can erode the enamel on your teeth generally lasts for 20 minutes. Every time you take a sip of that drink the damage starts all over again.
Wine
Wine, especially sparkling and white wine, contains erosive acid which can soften the hard protective enamel on teeth. This also leaves the teeth prone to staining which can be a problem for those who enjoy red wine and other pigmented food. Alcohol in general causes dehydration, meaning your mouth will have less saliva that protects your teeth from decay.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is very popular and may seem a great choice for people on the go or traveling. But you are better to buy our own bottle and use your tap water. Tap water contains fluoride, a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay. In comparison, bottled water does not contain enough fluoride to protect your teeth.
At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic we want to ensure you are aware of what enhances your smile and the strength of your teeth, while also warning you of lifestyle choices that can affect the integrity of your mouth. And while there are many foods that can cause damage to your mouth, there are many more that keep your mouth and teeth strong.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. They also help produce saliva in your mouth from all the fiber and water they contain, helping rinse away bacteria and food particles.
Carrots
Carrots are a great source of vitamin A and high in fiber. Crunching on a handful of carrots helps produce saliva just as apples do, reducing your risk of cavities.
Almonds
Almonds are a great snack, that is low in sugar. They help strengthen teeth as they are high in calcium and protein. Calcium keeps bones strong, including your jaw.
Cheese
Eating cheese raises the pH in your mouth, lower the risk of tooth decay. Cheese like almonds is also high in calcium and protein, making it another reason to enjoy this as a tasty snack or an addition to your meals.
Yogurt
We all know yogurt is high in calcium which is a top pick for the strength of your teeth. It also contains probiotics that benefit your gums. The good bacteria found in probiotics, crowds out the bad bacteria. With many buying options for yogurt choose plain yogurt and sweeten itself with a touch of honey or maple.
Leafy Greens
You are going to find this on any list of good foods for you, while low in calories, they are high in vitamins and nutrients. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are known to be high in calcium, helping build your tooth’s enamel.
Celery
The natural fibers in celery can help clean your teeth. Celery is also packed with Vitamin C which helps fight the inflammation of your gums. And with all the chewing it takes to get through a piece of celery it produces plenty of saliva neutralizing the bacteria that causes cavities.
Water
This should be no surprise. Water is vital to our overall health. Drinking water is the best way to stimulate saliva, our bodies greatest defense to the bacteria that causes plaque and cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water helps loosen trapped food particles that decompose in the mouth causing bacteria and bad breath. After a meal if you are unable to brush, rinsing with water is a must.
Many people overlook the importance of good nutrition in keeping a beautiful smile and their mouth healthy. Along with smart choices in your diet and regular visits to our Chinook Mall Dental Office, your oral health will be at its optimum. Please call in today to book an appointment with Dr. Charchuk, we look forward to seeing you.
