A strong body and mind start with a healthy smile. While brushing and flossing are vital for optimal health, they don’t replace a smile-friendly diet.
With so many different options available, it can be challenging to figure out what foods to avoid and what foods are best for your smile. We’ve put together some helpful tips you can use when planning your next meal.
Sugary Foods
Sugary foods are one of the most important things to watch out for. You have probably heard that sugar is bad for your teeth, but there is more to it – The sugar itself is not what hurts your teeth.
It is the bacteria that feed on sugar that cause the problem. These acid producing bacteria consume the sugar on your teeth and slowly break down your enamel with lactic acid.
Hard Candies
Hard candies can be especially harmful because they are designed to be consumed over a long period of time which exposes teeth to sugar the entire time you eat the candy.
Sticky Treats
Sticky foods like dried fruit or sticky candy have a tendency to get stuck in your teeth and can cause significant harm over time. This is why flossing is so important. Dislodging these sticky foods will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease from becoming a problem.
Acidic Foods
Another major contributor to dental issues is acidic food and beverages. While there are some great acidic foods like oranges that are good for your overall health, all acidic food can still break down enamel over time and cause damage to your smile.
Acidic Drinks
Acidic drinks are not only harmful because they can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. They are also one of the main causes of teeth staining. Additionally, when they are full of sugar, they can really wreak havoc on your oral health.
Dark sodas are not the only ones that cause teeth staining either. All acidic drinks including clear soda and white wine can stain teeth over time.
Don’t Snack – Eat Meals Instead
When you do consume acidic food or drinks, remember it’s best to eat them as a part of a meal instead of as a snack by itself. The saliva produced by eating the rest of your meal will help wash away the harmful acids from your teeth.
Food That Promotes a Healthy Smile
While sugary and acidic foods should be eaten in moderation, there are some foods you can eat as an alternative that are excellent at promoting good oral health.
Calcium
Calcium is one the most important things your body needs to maintain healthy teeth and bones, and milk is a great source of the calcium you need. That said, you don’t have to get it through drinking milk alone. Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are also great sources of daily calcium.
In addition to milk, there are also many other foods that are great sources of calcium. If you are looking for an alternative to dairy products, some great options are:
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Fish
- Almonds
Eating a Smile-Friendly Diet
Our goal isn’t to restrict you and tell you what you can and can not eat. It’s to encourage you to eat the foods that are more harmful to your smile in moderation and the foods that are good for your teeth more often. In addition to a healthy diet, brushing every day and regular bi-annual check-ups with Dr. Kosinski are essential for maintaining a healthy smile.
Visit Dr. Kosinski Today
At Smile Creator of Bingham Farms, our mission is to give you a smile that you are proud to show off. Dr. Kosinski offers a wide variety of services to help you achieve that ideal smile. From whitening and hygiene services to veneers and dental implants, we have the treatments you need to get the smile you deserve. Schedule your next appointment with Dr. Kosinski today.