How Can Healthy Food Protect Your Teeth

When you think about caring for your teeth, you probably think about brushing, flossing, and visiting Dr. Henson regularly for cleanings and exams. While we certainly encourage all of that, there’s another, simple way to care for your teeth – the food you eat! We all know that sugary foods can contribute to tooth decay, but there are also foods that keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Cheese

Who doesn’t love cheese? With all of its dental health benefits, there’s even more reason to love this delicious food. Cheese can raise the pH level in your mouth and lower the risk of decay. Chewing cheese increases the saliva in your mouth, while the calcium and protein in cheese strengthen your tooth enamel.

Yogurt

Yogurt is chock full of healthy probiotic bacteria that can fight back against harmful, disease-causing bacteria. Yogurt, like cheese, is also high in tooth-strengthening calcium and protein.

Apples

We all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it also keeps your dentist happy! Apples increase saliva production, which fights back against and washes away harmful bacteria and germs. The texture of the fruit also scrubs your teeth and stimulates your gums, although it’s no substitute for brushing!

Celery

Celery is another vegetable that can be considered nature’s toothbrush. Much like apples, its texture helps scrape away food and bacteria from your teeth. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C, which are good for your gums.

Almonds

Almonds are a great, healthy snack that is low in sugar. The calcium and protein in almonds helps protect your teeth while giving you something deliciously crunchy to snack on.

Which tooth-friendly food is your favorite? We encourage you to try these healthy snacks – your teeth will thank you for these tasty treats! To ask Dr. Henson what other steps she recommends to care for your teeth, or to schedule your next appointment, give our team a call.