The importance of eating healthy for your teeth

December 4, 2015

Here’s how the vitamin and mineral content of certain foods can make a difference in your dental health.

It’s common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth; it promotes plaque buildup and subsequent decay. But have you ever wondered about foods that are beneficial to your dental health? At Park Crossing Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Richard Bateman, Dr. Joshua Neubauer and Dr. Shradda Pendse believe in educating patients about all aspects of dental health. They have compiled a list of some of the most tooth-friendly foods available at your local grocery store.

Satisfying strawberries

Most of us agree that strawberries are a delicious and healthful snack, but they also contain malic acid, which whitens tooth enamel naturally. Mixing a crushed strawberry with baking soda is an easy (and delicious way!) to whiten your teeth. Simply apply the paste with a soft-bristled toothbrush, leave the paste on for five minutes, then brush and rinse. As always, your Charlotte dentist recommends flossing after this treatment, as strawberries contain tiny seeds that can become lodged in your teeth.

Dairy is desirable

Cheese and milk don’t just build strong bones – the vitamins and minerals they contain also help to strengthen your teeth. Calcium and casein – a type of protein – are two of the many beneficial contents in dairy products.

Choose to chew

Sugarless gum is an excellent way to refresh your mouth after eating. Not only does it improve your breath, but it also stimulates the production of saliva, which naturally clears away acids and bacteria from the teeth. Since saliva also contains calcium and phosphate, you’re also helping to strengthen your enamel while you chew.

Favorable fiber

Foods rich in fiber aren’t just limited to legumes like black beans or edamame. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, as well as avocado, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread are also packed with fiber. While you chew, these dense foods encourage the production of saliva and work as “scrubbers” against the surface of your teeth.

As you can tell, most foods that are beneficial to your oral health are also natural or minimally processed. If you’d like more information on how to tailor your diet to include these and other foods, contact Park Crossing Dentistry in Charlotte today!