If you visit your dentist in Elk Grove Village on a regular basis, and brush and floss twice a day, you may think you’re practicing good oral health care habits; but is it enough? Did you know that the foods you eat have a profound effect on the long-term health of your teeth? Here are some of the best and worst foods to be aware of:
Best Foods
Sugarless gum: Helps produce saliva, which helps clean teeth
Water: Like saliva, water helps clean teeth; it also helps freshen breath.
Dairy: Dairy contains calcium and calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth. Just a glass of milk a day is enough to keep teeth strong and healthy.
High-fiber foods: Not only good for your digestion, high-fiber foods like beans and spinach require a lot of chewing, producing saliva and the food ‘scrubs’ your teeth clean.
Strawberries: These contain malic acid, a natural teeth whitener.
Worst Foods
Citrus fruit: Grapefruit and lemon, in particular, are extremely acidic and can erode your teeth enamel over time.
Chewy candies: Toffee, caramels and other chewy candies stick to your teeth and bacteria can build up, causing cavities, bad breath and eventually, gum disease. If you must eat these, brush and floss immediately after.
Hard candies: Because they are in your mouth longer than chewy candies, the sugar can linger and settle on your teeth, causing a host of problems like cavities and gingivitis.
Pickles: The acid from the vinegar can erode tooth enamel, so it’s best to avoid these if possible. When you do eat them, follow up by brushing and flossing.
Soda: Sugary sodas can wreak havoc on your teeth and can cause cavities, even with brushing.
Ask your dentist in Elk Grove Village for more advice on how to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Visit us at https://www.elkgrovevillageildentist.com for more details. Follow us on twitter.
