How Diet Affects Your Teeth: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Daily brushing and flossing sessions are a good start – yet these are hardly all that is needed for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. If you want that same set of teeth to last for over 50 years, then it can be good to also mind what you expose them to every day. 

Let’s take a look at how eating affects your teeth and explore some of the best and worst foods for your smile. 

Foods for Optimal Dental Health

Just about any food that comes in contact with your teeth – and lingers sitting between them – can pose some risk. Avoiding foods entirely or following a very restrictive diet can, however, be even worse. Your teeth also require nourishment, and the foods you consume are the only form of nourishment they can get. 

Let’s take a look at foods that can help keep your teeth strong and healthy as long as they are not lodged between your teeth for too long. 

Dairy Products

Cheesy bits, yoghurt cups, and an occasional glass of milk are great for your teeth because they supply you with needed calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients are especially important for little ones and seniors since they strengthen enamel and reduce your mouth’s acidity. 

Crunchy Fruit and Veg

Crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and celery are great for your teeth. These fiber-rich foods can double as a natural toothbrush and will boost saliva flow, so bacteria and contaminants will be flushed from the teeth.

Leafy Greens

You definitely want to load your plate with spinach, kale, and other greens. The minerals and vitamins in these foods are great for healing your gums. 

Proteins

Your teeth also need protein to strengthen the enamel coating. This means you can safely indulge in nuts, seeds, eggs, and meats. 

Water

Fluoridated water is great for hydrating your mouth and flushing out some foods that might be stuck in between your teeth. 

Foods To Limit

In most cases, it isn’t really possible or practical to bid a permanent farewell to these foods, yet they should be consumed moderately and with caution. Brushing or chewing gum after eating these foods is a good habit. Here are some of the foods that you want to reduce. 

Sweet Treats

Anything sugary, sweet, or candied should be limited – especially chewy sweets that tend to cling to your teeth and gums. It is also best to be wary of dried fruits. Yes, the sugars are natural, but the way they cling to your teeth isn’t.  

Anything Carbonated

It is best to switch to non-carbonated drinks. Carbonated beverages usually contain lots of sugar and are more acidic compared to a typical beverage. Because of this, they do have a bad impact on your dental health. 

Starches

Starches like potato chips, pasta, and bread are often overlooked. These are not sweet foods, but they can react similarly. This is because starch breaks down into sugar. It is best to keep this food group limited or to brush after every snack. 

Acidic Foods

Acidic ingredients – even those from natural foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits – tend to wear down enamel. Be careful when consuming lots of sour foods.

Hard Foods

While nuts and seeds are healthy, the way they can break your teeth isn’t quite as good. Don’t bite down too hard on hard foods. This can cause breakage. 

Why Visiting a Dentist is Important Even When Your Diet is Healthy

Mind what you eat can help keep your teeth all sparkly and bright for longer. However, even if your teeth are healthy and strong, it is still better to visit a dental clinic in Newtown as often as you can. 

Regular tooth and gum checkups are important because they allow dental experts to pick up on dental ailments at an early stage. Your dentist can also tell you when you are spot on with your dental regimen or when you might need to improve your strategy.

Let Our Newtown Dentists Help Keep Your Smile Strong

At Blue Tooth Dental, we are the best at keeping smiles healthy and strong. We invite you to book an appointment with our dental clinic. Our team can assist with everything from tooth assessments to restorative improvements to general care. 

Book an appointment at Blue Tooth Dental for friendly, reliable dental care in Newtown.