5 Foods for Stronger Teeth and a Healthier Smile

If you’re looking for ways to improve your dental health, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of foods that can help! In fact, eating the right foods can actually help strengthen your enamel and keep them healthy. The food mentioned below are packed with nutrients that can help protect your teeth against decay and plaque buildup. So, if you’re looking to improve your dental health, be sure to add these 5 foods to your diet!

What is the Enamel?

The enamel is the hard, outermost layer of your teeth. It’s basically the protective coating that keeps your teeth healthy and strong. However, it’s not indestructible. In fact, the enamel can be damaged by acidic foods and drinks, as well as by tooth grinding. Once the enamel is damaged, it can’t be repaired. That’s why it’s important to take care of your teeth and to eat foods that help protect the enamel.

The Importance of Food and Dental Health

It’s no secret that what you eat can affect your overall health, but did you know that it can also impact your dental health? That’s right, the foods you eat can actually help promote healthy teeth and gums. However, it’s not just about eating the right foods, it’s also important to avoid sugary and acidic foods that can damage your teeth. Below, we’ll discuss 5 foods that are great for your teeth and gums, as well as 3 foods that you should avoid.

5 Foods for Stronger Teeth and a Healthier Smile

1. Cheese

Cheese is rich in calcium, which is essential for strong teeth and bones. Calcium helps to remineralize teeth and prevent tooth decay. It’s also a good source of phosphates, which help to keep your enamel strong.

2. Green vegetables

Green veggies like spinach and broccoli are great for your teeth because they’re high in fiber. Fiber helps to remove plaque from your teeth, and it also contains nutrients like vitamin A and C that are good for your gums.

3. Nuts

Nuts are a great source of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. These nutrients are important for keeping your teeth strong and healthy. In addition, nuts also contain antioxidants that help to protect your teeth against damage.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is another good source of calcium, and it also contains probiotics that are good for your oral health. Probiotics help to fight against bad bacteria in your mouth, and they can also help to reduce gum inflammation.

5. Salmon

Salmon is a great source of vitamin D, which is important for absorption of calcium. Vitamin D also helps to fight against gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep your gums healthy.

3 Foods to Avoid

1. Sugary foods

Sugar is one of the worst things for your teeth, as it feeds the bacteria in your mouth and can lead to tooth decay.

2. Starchy foods

Starchy foods like bread and potatoes can also stick to your teeth and contribute to tooth decay.

3. Acidic foods

Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can erode your tooth enamel. So, it’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you want to keep your teeth healthy.

How to Care For Your Enamel

In addition to eating the right foods, there are also a few things you can do to help care for your enamel. First, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to remineralize teeth and protect against decay. It’s also important to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. Lastly, try to limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods, as well as tooth-grinding habits. By taking care of your enamel, you can help keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

The Importance of Fluoride

The American Dental Association explains that, before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel (the hard surface of the tooth) stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. This provides what is called a “systemic” benefit.

After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, or use other fluoride dental products, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. This provides what is called a “topical” benefit.

In addition, the fluoride you take in from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride that help rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

Taking care of your teeth is important for maintaining good overall health. Eating the right foods and avoiding sugary and acidic foods can help to keep your teeth strong and healthy. In addition, using a toothpaste with fluoride and brushing your teeth twice a day can help to protect your teeth against decay. Finally, visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings can also help to keep your smile healthy. To make an appointment, contact Stonebrook Family Dental today!