We’ve all heard the expression, “You are what you eat.” It turns out that your dentist would wholeheartedly agree! In a previous post we talked about the Three Biggest Threats to a Healthy Smile. Now let’s look at choosing foods for healthy teeth.

Studies show that a diet of healthy foods significantly contributes to healthy teeth. So, choose wisely by selecting the foods for better oral health:

Apples to Flush Out Bacteria:

An apple a day… keeps the dentist away! High in both fiber and water, sweet, crunchy apples helps your mouth produce the saliva it needs to flush out unwanted bacteria and food debris.

Carrots Cleanse and Increase Vitamin A:

Crunchy carrots… crunch your way to healthy teeth by grabbing a handful of baby carrots with each meal. Similar to apples, they produce saliva that helps cleanse your mouth while increasing your daily Vitamin A quotient – a win-win for you and your smile.

Leafy Greens Help Prevent and Treat Gum Disease:

Leafy greens… Veggies such as spinach and kale are great for your overall health, but they also have special benefits for your teeth. Leafy greens contain B vitamins that help prevent and treat gum disease while keeping cavities at bay. So, whether you’re a salad lover or a smoothie junkie, go for the greens for better oral health.

Dairy Contains Probiotics for Healthy Teeth and Gums:

Remember to eat your dairy… Load up on your favorite cheese and low-sugar yogurts, folks! They contain probiotics (aka, good bacteria) that benefit your teeth and gums. Not only does the calcium and proteins found in cheese strengthen tooth enamel, but even the act of chewing cheese has been found to lower the risk of tooth decay due to increased saliva production. Pass the cheese, please!

Drink Water to Cleanse and Hydrate:

H20 to go… Just as healthy food choices can benefit your smile, what you drink can also impact the health of your teeth. Avoid high-calorie, sugary sodas and juices and opt for refreshing filtered water instead. Drinking adequate amounts of water will help cleanse your teeth while keeping you hydrated throughout your day. So, keep a reusable bottle on hand and drink up for good overall health!

Dr. Janet Euzarraga encourages patients to keep the above healthy eating tips in mind to help achieve a beautiful, healthy smile! Always feel free to reach out to your Ahwatukee dentist for any questions or a free second opinion.  www.drefamilydental.com/contacts