Maintaining your oral health involves brushing twice a day, using dental floss, and visiting your dntl bar dentist regularly for routine cleanings and check ups. Did you know that certain foods can also impact your teeth and gums? That’s right, certain foods can positively contribute to maintaining great oral health for years to come. New Yorker’s know food & we know teeth we’re here to share some of our favorite dentist backed bites.

For example, you may have heard that eating foods rich in calcium can lead to strong and healthy bones while you’re young. Those same calcium rich foods can contribute to strong teeth throughout your lifetime. Other snacks can positively impact your oral health, especially if they contain polyphenols or probiotics.

For instance, probiotics might be most known for their ability to aid in digestive health, but they are also loved by dentists to keep your mouth healthy too. They are very helpful in keeping healthy bacteria flourishing and bad bacteria at bay.

Enjoy those tooth-friendly foods, and read on to learn which ones might require some extra tooth TLC.

Food that benefits your oral health

There are foods that can be beneficial towards aiding in your oral care thanks to their high amounts of calcium and other bone strengthening nutrients, see below for some examples:

• Milk
• Plain yogurt
• Leafy greens
• Almonds

Protein-rich foods can also help! Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are the best sources of phosphorus. This is a mineral needed to build strong-healthy bones.

Both of these calcium & phosphorous play a critical role in dental health, by protecting and rebuilding your tooth’s enamel.

Along with being a favorite among New York City dentists, fruits and vegetables are great choices for a healthy smile since they are high in water and fiber, which balance the sugars they may contain and help to clean the teeth.

Enjoying fruits and vegetables can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away any harmful acids and food particles from the teeth. Additionally, the increased saliva production is helpful towards neutralizing acid, which protects teeth from decay.

Beverages that benefit your oral health

While there are many foods that can help cleanse the teeth and keep your mouth’s bacteria healthy, all the best dentists can agree that water is the most tooth-friendly beverage option.

With no added sugar, or color there is no threat to your oral health by enjoying this beverage. In fact, water can assist in washing away debris from the teeth and prevent teeth staining after a pungent beverage such as coffee or red wine.

The ADA recommends eating a well-balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein such as fish or beans, and dairy to help keep your teeth healthy. Eating a variety of these healthy foods can help you get the nutrients you need to promote oral health (and your overall health too!)

Reducing your risk for cavities

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to remove sugars and food particles from your teeth.
• Floss consistently at least once a day
• Rinse your mouth with water after enjoying a treat high in sugars, and or staining agents
• Enjoy a well-balanced diet— these can contain nutrients that play a role in your dental health.

At the end of the day, it is important to treat yourself to foods and beverages that you enjoy! Just remember to keep your oral care routine consistent and to visit your dentist for your routine cleanings and checkups for a healthy, long lasting smile.

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Resources +

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthy-teeth-guide/diet-for-teeth/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/good-for-your-mouth-foods.aspx
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/worst-foods-for-your-teeth
https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-probiotics