If you want to enjoy great oral health, then you may have already committed to taking great care of your teeth and gums through daily brushing and flossing, and even regular preventive dental care. These are certainly important steps in protecting the smile. Yet another simple and effective way to prevent dental problems, like cavities, is by eating healthy foods that are good for your whole body, including your smile. Of course, equally important, is avoiding the kind of acidic foods that can lead to tooth decay.
You Should Be Eating Lots of Good Foods
Vegetables and some fruits tend to be among the best choices for dental health. That said, some of these produce items are particularly healthy options.
Apples, celery and carrots, for instance, all have relatively high water contents, which are great for smiles. They also contain lots of fiber, which can help to gently scrub bacteria off the surface of the teeth.
Green, leafy vegetables and broccoli are also great choices, because of their rich vitamin content.
Dairy products, like milk, cheese and yogurt, are another great choice, since they are high in calcium, Vitamin D and phosphates, all of which can help to keep the teeth strong and healthy. That said, it’s important to pick items with little or no added sugar. Flavored milks and yogurts are often shockingly high in sugar, so make sure you check the labels before you buy.
Avoid Foods That Are Dangerous for Dental Health
Speaking of sugar, too much sugar can greatly increase one’s risk of developing cavities, but also gum disease. That’s because the plaque bacteria in the mouth feed upon sugar. The more you consume daily, then, the more likely you are to suffer from poor oral health, that might require restorative dentistry.
Rather than reaching for sweets, and also starchy products made from white flour, which break down much like sugar, look to fill your diet primarily with more nutrient-dense foods.
Need to Schedule Preventive Care?
Preventive treatment is an important way to protect your teeth against cavities, in addition to eating a healthy diet. Contact Dr. Okoniewski by calling Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI today at (248) 852-1820 to schedule your next preventive dental visit.
