Healthy eating contributes to healthy living and healthy teeth! But before munching on your snacks, you should be asking yourself, does this food hurt my teeth? If it does, think again.
Starchy, sticky and sugary foods work with the invisible germs in your mouth to dissolve the hard enamel protecting your teeth. That’s how a cavity forms. The more you snack on these foods, the more likely you’ll be susceptible to tooth decay.
Snack smart by eating foods low in sugar and high in nutritional value. Here are a variety of foods to pick from when you’re feeling snackish.
Cheese And Yogurt
Both foods are high in calcium and protein, which makes them ideal for the strength and health of your teeth. A report by Live Science found that cheese can raise the pH in a person’s mouth and lower the risk of tooth decay. While the probiotics in yogurt benefit your gums because the good bacteria crowd out bacteria that cause cavities.
Celery, Carrots And Other Crunchy Veggies
Crunchy veggies like celery and carrot are full of fibre and are great natural teeth cleaners because they stimulate saliva flow. This helps remove any leftover food particles and bad bacteria. Carrots and celery are great sources of vitamin A, one of the best vitamins for healthy teeth and gums.
Apples And Pears
An apple a day could also keep the dentist at bay. Although we recommend staying clear of sweet snacks, fruits like apples and pears are high in fibre and water. Eating these fruits can help clean your teeth and increase salivation. Their fibrous texture can also help stimulate your gums.
If you like to snack, choosing these foods between meals can help minimize the amount of time your teeth are exposed to acid. Alternatively, you can focus on other healthy eating habits such as limiting snacking and reducing sugar in your diet for a healthy mouth.
Our dentists at Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre can help you with your diet plan and recommend foods that are amazing for your teeth. Book an appointment online or find us at the northwest corner of Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue to improve your oral health.