Healthy Foods for a Healthy Mouth
Summer is a time to enjoy plenty of delicious foods and drinks when you are on vacation, at a party or summer cookout, or simply enjoying some time at home. Even though foods and drinks might taste delicious, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are healthy for your teeth. In fact, many of the foods that many patients enjoy consuming are not the best for your oral health. Before summer comes to an end, we want to share some healthy foods that you can add to your diet that can help keep your teeth healthy and happy.
Healthy Foods to Enjoy
For many years you have learned about healthy foods that keep your body healthy. Your teeth work in the same way. Certain foods are better for your teeth than others. Healthy foods for your teeth include:
- Leafy greens
- Fish
- Yogurts and cheeses
- Lean proteins
- Carrots, celery, apples
Tips for a Healthy Mouth
Eating healthy and limiting certain foods and beverages are certainly important to keep your mouth healthy. We have some additional tips that can also help:
- Eat sweets with meals – There are times when eating sugar cannot be avoided, especially if you enjoy sweets and desserts. Sugary foods are best eaten at mealtimes. When eating a meal, the amount of saliva in your mouth increases to help rinse away leftover food and bacteria. This saliva will help wash away the remaining sugar from the teeth. We also suggest drinking extra water after eating sugary foods.
- Limit snacking between meals – Every time you snack between meals, you are adding bacteria to the mouth. When the bacteria remains on the teeth, decay can begin to develop.
- Brush teeth after eating – Even healthy foods can cause cavities if left on the teeth too long. We recommend brushing after every meal when possible.
Along with eating healthy, we also want to remind you to continue to brush twice daily and use dental floss daily as well. The best way to ensure your teeth are healthy is to visit our office every six months for a hygiene examination and cleaning. If you are located in the Wellington, FL area and have any further questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment please call our office. We would love to help you!
