The Best Foods for Dental Health

Oral health is one of the first areas to decline for those with poor diets. Despite always being taught to avoid sugary foods and drinks as children, most do not realize how much the lack of nutrients from a poor diet or an overwhelming intake of fats can affect the mouth just as much as the rest of the body.
Best dentist in Newcastle recommend several foods to not only help a person’s overall bodily health but specifically their oral health. A diet that consists of these foods has been proven to whiten teeth, prevent cavities, freshen breath, and even boost the immune system, leading to a much healthier and happier lifestyle.
But First, Foods to Avoid
Before we dive into the best foods for dental health, let’s remind ourselves of some commonly eaten foods to avoid for a healthier mouth.
Despite being taught the importance of consuming fruits, oranges, lemons, and limes have high acidity levels that can weaken tooth enamel. This can cause the inner tooth layer to erode, which will cause increased sensitivity, discomfort, and even tooth decay. The recommended fruit intake is two servings a day. Try to vary your fruit consumption by choosing other things like apples, bananas, and berries instead.
Another commonly overlooked cause of bad dental health is dried fruits. These sticky snacks will glue themselves to hard to reach areas and can harm enamel over time.
We all know the importance of staying away from candy, but often we still consume cereals and breakfast bars that are high in sugar. Always check the labels on a product’s wrapper or box to ensure that the content is not saturated with sugar.
So, What Should Be Eaten Instead?
Instead of consuming highly acidic or sugary products, substitute these snacks for dairy and vegetables.
Milk, Cheese, and Yoghurt
Dietary substitutes often eliminate dairy from an individual’s diet. However, dairy products are low in sugar and full of calcium, which helps to strengthen teeth.
Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for oral health because it stimulates saliva and neutralises unruly acids says newcastle dental. Milk and yoghurt are also high in calcium, phosphorous, and casein, which is a protein that protects tooth enamel and prevents decay.
Celery & Carrots
Crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots are low in sugar and require a lot of chewing, making them some of the best foods for dental health. Extra chewing promotes extra saliva production, which neutralises acids found in other foods. Saliva also cleans the mouth and washes out sticky residue that can easily attach itself to teeth in hard to reach spots.
Better Oral Health Will Improve Your Quality of Life
Taking control of your oral health by implementing the best foods for dental health in your diet will not only strengthen your teeth and gums but also improve your overall nutrition. Brushing and flossing will be more manageable, and you can count on fewer cavity fillings and long-term decay.
At Newcastle Dental Care, we have over 40 years of experience helping patients achieve the healthy smiles they deserve. Call us today to book an appointment or visit our facebook or Instagram page!