Nutritious Foods to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” but this is true for your dental health, too. 92% of adults will experience cavities and 50% of Americans have a form of gum disease. Both are leading causes of tooth loss, but they can also affect your general wellness negatively. In addition to good oral hygiene and regular dental care, your diet can support a healthy smile. Here are a few nutritious foods that will help keep your mouth healthy.

Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt

Low-fat dairy products support strong enamel to make it more resistant to tooth decay. Cheese is an excellent snack because it is low in sugar but loaded with calcium. It also contains the protein casein, which fortifies tooth enamel. Cheese has a high phosphate content to balance pH levels in the mouth to protect enamel. Chewing cheese increases saliva production to help rinse away harmful oral bacteria.

Water

Your body is 60% water, so you must stay hydrated. Hydration is also essential for your teeth and gums. Dehydration causes saliva production to decrease, which can cause an overgrowth of harmful oral bacteria. Drinking water keeps you hydrated and your mouth moist to combat cavities and gum disease. Every sip will also rinse your mouth to keep it clean. 

Crunchy Vegetables

Vegetables are packed with nutrients to support your dental health and overall wellness. Crunchy vegetables, like celery and carrots, are great for your teeth. They require a lot of chewing to stimulate saliva production. They also act as scrub brushes for your teeth to remove plaque and food residue.

Apples and Pears

Apples and pears require you to bite through their skin, which helps clean your teeth. The fibrous fruits also neutralize citric and malic acid to protect against cavities. Their fibrous texture also stimulates your gums to keep them healthy.

Foods You Should Avoid

Many foods can increase your risk of dental problems. Here are the top foods you should moderate:

• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria that can erode your enamel.
• Hard Nuts and Seeds: Hard nuts can damage your teeth over time.
• Alcohol: Alcohol increases your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Sticky Foods: Sticky foods can cling to your teeth, which can cause enamel loss over time.
• Crunchy Foods: Crunchy foods can damage your teeth, leading to chips and fractures.

With a healthy diet and good oral hygiene at home, you can support your dental health. Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.

About Dr. Albert Kim

Dr. Kim earned his dental degree at the NYU College of Dentistry and has continued his education to provide the most up-to-date services. He focuses on prevention to stop common dental problems, like cavities and gum disease. If it’s time for your cleaning and checkup, book an appointment through his website or call his office at (832) 500-8123.