What we eat and drink has a big impact on our oral health, and often we’re told to avoid eating too many sugary foods or drinking too many sugary drinks, but not told things that are beneficial for our teeth and oral health as a whole. So, we’re here with foods you should be eating to help your teeth, building enamel and keeping them nice and strong. If you’ve had any kind of dental work done, such as visiting a cosmetic dentist in Leeds or London, make sure you consult with them about which foods you should avoid if there are any!
Crunchy Vegetables
First up, we have crunchy veg, which has so many benefits for your teeth. Firstly, they’re packed full of great nutrients, and when you’re eating things like carrots, peppers, celery or sugar snap peas raw, you’re getting the most nutritional benefit from them. Additionally, as they’re crunchy, the actual motion of chewing the foods helps to clean the teeth and remove plaque from the mouth. As they take a bit more chewing than very soft foods, you also benefit from your mouth producing more saliva, again helping to wash away any unwanted bacteria from the mouth. Start incorporating some crunchy veg into your diet to help your teeth. We love dipping into hummus for the ideal afternoon snack!
Low Sugar Dairy Products
Something else you should be eating to help your teeth are low sugar dairy products. Dairy products like yoghurt, cheese and milk contain high amounts of calcium, which are known to help keep bones strong and healthy, including your teeth. We’ve specifically mentioned low sugar dairy products, as things like very sweet yoghurts will have high amounts of sugar which can damage the teeth over time. Dairy products that are very high in fat, such as butter, also tend to contain less calcium. So, stick to things like semi skimmed or whole milk, standard cheeses and plain or Greek yoghurt for the best calcium intake!
Meats and Fatty Fish
Next up, ensure you’re eating meats and fatty fish. They contain great amounts of phosphorus, which is an important mineral for protecting your teeth and specifically your enamel. Additionally, the chewing motion required to eat meat helps to increase saliva production in the mouth. Just make sure you’re flossing in the evenings after you’ve finished eating for the day, as meat does tend to get stuck between the teeth. Fish and meat are also high in protein, helping to maintain strong teeth. If you’re vegan, tofu is a good source of phosphorus and protein, as well as leafy greens which are great for your teeth. It’s worth mentioning to your dentist in Wakefield if you’re vegan, just to make sure they’ve got all the information needed to advise on the best oral hygiene routine for you.