Maintaining good dental health involves more than just brushing and flossing. A well-balanced diet is also vital for maintaining strong teeth and gums. In this blog, your Mansfield, TX, dentist discusses’ the food that is most beneficial to your dental health.
Foods That Promote Oral Health
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, which is essential for tooth enamel strength and overall oral health. Crunchy foods like apples, celery, carrots, and cucumbers are high in water and fiber content, promoting saliva production and helping to clean the teeth naturally. If you must eat a snack that sticks in the teeth, it’s helpful to munch on a raw carrot to help remove food particles. Leafy greens contain important minerals and vitamins, such as calcium and folic acid, which contribute to gum health. At your next check-up, we can make recommendations based on your oral health situation.
Foods To Avoid
You’ve heard the saying “everything in moderation” but to keep good dental health you must be aware of how often you are snacking. When you snack frequently throughout the day, your teeth are exposed to a continuous supply of sugars and carbohydrates found in many snack foods. This prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of bacteria in your mouth producing acids, which attack the tooth enamel and can lead to cavities. Many common snacks like candies, cookies, sodas, and even seemingly healthy options like granola bars and fruit snacks, contain high amounts of sugar. Gummy and sticky candies should be avoided as much as possible.
If You Must Indulge Here and There…
If you do indulge in sugary or acidic snacks, it is better to consume them as part of a meal rather than snacking on them throughout the day. This helps minimize the frequency of exposure to damaging substances. Rinse your mouth with water after snacking to help wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Maintain good oral hygiene practices by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque and food debris.
Maintain Your Health with a Dental Check-Up
The best way to keep healthy is to visit your dentist at least every six months. We will clean your teeth and check for any tooth damage or decay. To schedule an appointment or to find out more about how we can help you maintain healthy teeth, reach out to Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, TX today at (817)473-6227.
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