Did you know that there are certain foods and drinks that are bad for your teeth and others that are good? Part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums is knowing what things you can ingest to promote good oral health and what to avoid. So, if you want the best oral health for you and your family, it’s best to consider foods and beverages as they relate to the health of your teeth and gums!
Some of the Foods That Aren’t Good for Oral Health
Essentially, anything that’s bad for the enamel of the teeth, which is the outter, protective layer of the tooth, is bad for the health of your teeth. This can include anything that’s acidic or sugary, as these elements of food can attack enamel.
Some examples of some foods that can be damaging to tooth enamel include:
-pickles
-sugary foods including fruit, hard candy, etc.
-tomato sauce
-vegetables high in acidity
-dessert foods
-crackers
-white bread
Some Drinks That Aren’t Good for Oral Health
Along with food affecting the enamel of teeth, beverages can too. It’s important to not only watch out for food that can damage the health of your teeth and gums, but drinks as well. Basically, the same things that can affect tooth enamel from food are the same things that can affect teeth in drinks. So, sugary and acidic drinks should also be limited or eliminated from your diet completely if you want to maintain your dental health.
Some examples of drinks that can damage the health of your teeth and gums include:
-sodas
-carbonated beverages (beer, seltzer, energy drinks, etc.)
-alcohol (liquor, wine, etc.)
-juice made from sugary or acidic fruits and vegetables
-coffee
-fruit punch
-dark teas (sweet tea, black tea, etc.)
If you’re going to consume any of these beverages or foods, it’s vital to know that brushing afterward can help to remove the substance from your teeth before damage takes place. Furthermore, drinking through a straw can also help to keep harmful beverages away from your teeth during drinking, so this is a good trick as well if you’re headstrong about drinking these beverages!
Some of the Best Foods for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Just like there are foods and beverages you have to keep in mind as they can damage the health of your teeth and gums, there are some foods and drinks that are good for your dental health.
Foods that are good for teeth and gum contain nutrients and minerals that help to keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy, giving your mouth a better chance to maintain health and prevent dental issues in the future. Some of these foods include:
-cheese
-fish and meat
-nuts
-green vegetables
-legumes
-leafy greens (cabbage, lettuce, kale, collard greens, etc.)
-some fruits (pears and apples)
Some of the Best Beverages for Oral Health
As there are foods that can help to encourage healthy teeth and gums, there are also beverages that can provide the same nutrients and minerals that are great for maintaining a healthy smile. Some of these drinks include:
-milk
-green tea
-white tea
Preventing Teeth Issues With Dental Checkups
Along with eating and drinking foods and beverages that are good for maintaining oral health, another way to ensure that you’re on track to maintaining healthy teeth and gums is to schedule bi-annual teeth cleanings with your dental specialist. These professional cleanings can help to clean your teeth and gums in order to prevent decay and cavities so that you can steer clear of dental treatment in the future!
