Staying healthy means eating a well-balanced diet so your body receives the nutrients needed for health and wellness. Your mouth is no different. Without a healthy diet, you are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. For example, eating foods that are high in carbohydrates, sugars and starches can eventually lead to cavities. Alternatively, there are foods that can help you enjoy healthy gums and teeth. Your dentist in Dallas, GA, Dr. Bickford or Dr. Shirley, would like to offer a few suggestions on what you should be sure to include in your diet.
Cheese. Researchers have found that eating cheese, particularly hard cheeses, helps to reduce the acid level in your mouth. And when you lower the level of acid, you also lower your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Adding grated Parmesan to salads is an easy and tasty way to increase the amount of cheese you eat.
Yogurt. Both yogurt and cheese are high in calcium, which helps to build strong bones and teeth. In addition, you want the probiotics—healthy bacteria—in yogurt to outnumber the harmful bacteria in your mouth. So, say yes to yogurt, but be sure to choose varieties without sugar added.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables. Fresh and crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, broccoli, carrots, celery and cucumbers are all Mother Nature’s toothbrush, helping to scrub your teeth as you chew. Plaque and bacteria are cleared away from the surfaces of your teeth when you eat these healthy diet options.
Leafy Greens. Spinach and kale are great choices for oral health as well as your general health. They’re both high in calcium and chock full of other vitamins and minerals, too. And they contain folic acid, which recent research shows may help pregnant women avoid gum disease.
Almonds. These tasty nuts also contain calcium as well as protein, which make them doubly healthy for your teeth and your mouth. A word of caution: almonds are quite hard, so you may want to soak them in water before you chew or simply hold them in your mouth for a while and let the saliva in your mouth soften them a bit.
Call Your Dentist in Dallas, GA
For more tips on what you can do to maintain healthy gums and teeth, contact Distinctive Dentistry in Dallas, GA. We proudly offer dental services to the communities of Dallas, Hiram, Douglasville, Rockmart, Powder Springs, Acworth, Villa Rica, Temple, Marietta, and Kennesaw. Call us today to schedule your appointment!
