When it comes to our smiles, thinking about what we’re actually eating and drinking is kind of depressing. There are so many foods and beverages out there that have negative effects on our teeth. Adding insult to injury, the foods that are the tastiest are usually the worst offenders. But turn those frowns into healthy smiles, because according to the World Dental online magazine, there are many consumables out there that are beneficial to our teeth. The best part? You can grab them right out of your local supermarket aisle.
Milk
Let’s start out with the most obvious. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, so drink milk for strong bones and healthy teeth. You’ve known this since childhood, and you must have seen a celebrity or two sporting a milk mustache for the long-running “Got Milk?” ad campaign.
Yogurt is also a good choice. Milk and yogurt have low acidity so the wear and tear on your teeth is less than most drinks, and unsweetened milk and yogurt have little decay-causing sugar. Milk, yogurt, cheese… most dairy products are healthy for teeth.
Green Tea
It has polyphenols, antioxidant plant compounds that keep the plaque off of your teeth, reducing the risk of gingivitis and other dental diseases. It’s also a good halitosis preventer; it keeps the bad-breath bacteria from settling in your mouth. And since many teas sport fluoride as an ingredient, green tea is just a slam-dunk drink for a good grin.
Fruits
Fruits are great foods to munch on. The Vitamin C they provide is critical for maintaining strong, healthy gums, and they’re a healthy alternative for a quick snack.
Strawberries and their juice can help remove coffee or lipstick stains on your teeth with natural bleach. You can also try rubbing the pulp onto your teeth in lieu of a toothbrush. Be sure to rinse your mouth afterwards, though, as prolonged exposure to the strawberry’s mild acid could damage your enamel.
Crunchy fruits like apples (and vegetables like celery) can actually help you naturally clean your teeth after a meal, as all that chewing moves food particles off your teeth. We don’t say “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” for nothing!
Water
H20 is truly one of the best things for us on earth! Aside from rehydrating us, washing our bodies, and serving as a healthy choice of beverage, it helps our saliva redeposit minerals back into our teeth. Plus the water hydrates our gums, rinses out bacteria-causing food particles, and reduces bad breath! For additional electrolyte benefits try Smart Water.
Of course, bite-beneficial foods are only half the battle. Remembering to brush your teeth is the most important, and most effective, prevention exercise. That’s where we at Dental Health and Wellness Boston can help. Dr. Jill B. Smith, DMD strongly recommends using power toothbrushes for a real in-depth, plaque-busting brushing. While brands like Oral B Braun and Sonicare will all work perfectly well, she notes Rotadent brand brushes are especially effective… it’s so good, she’s used it herself for over twenty years. Luckily, you can purchase a Rotadent during your next visit to Dental Health and Wellness Boston!
Finally, don’t forget to come in for regular cleanings. Dr. Smith and her staff of dental professionals know the ins and outs of tooth decay and we can provide you with professional, deep cleanings on appointment. If you’d like to schedule a cleaning, purchase a brush, book an appointment, or have any other questions, please contact us! Don’t be in denial about the state of your smile!
