You’ve heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but did you know that applies to more than just your waistline? Your diet can either hurt or help your oral health. You don’t need to put your smile at risk. Your dentist in Huntington has the best and worst foods for your teeth and gums.

Best Foods for a Healthy Smile

Your dental health relies on a nutritious diet to ward off tooth decay and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends developing healthy eating patterns, which should include:

Whole Grains

Choose whole grains that are low in sugar when selecting breads and cereals. Whole grains can be especially beneficial for diabetic patients because they stabilize blood sugar levels to reduce gum disease linked to the condition.

Dairy Products

Dairy products boost your oral health in several ways, like increasing saliva production. Your saliva cleanses your mouth from bacteria in between brushing and flossing. Not to mention, they are high in calcium and protein, which are vital for strong teeth. Yogurt not only supports a healthy smile, but also contains probiotics to aid your digestive tract. When purchasing items from the dairy section, look for those that are unsweetened or sugar-free.

Vegetables

You should have at least 2 servings of vegetables per day because they contain many health benefits for your mouth and body. They are low in calories and provide many essential vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens are loaded with calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins. Chard, spinach, or kale are great to add to your plate as well as those that are crunchy. Carrots and celery can protect your teeth from bacteria because they act like a scrub brush.

Fruits

Fruits provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, but there are some that can damage your smile, like citrus. Fruits also contain natural sugars, which can lead to decay. While it’s important to include them in your diet, never suck on acidic fruits to safeguard your enamel.

Lean Proteins

Lean proteins, like meats and fish, have phosphorus and protein to support healthy teeth. Nuts can also help your smile. Almonds are also a great source of protein while also providing calcium.  

Worst Foods for Your Dental Health

There are several foods your dentist recommends limiting or avoiding altogether, such as:

• Sugary and Starchy Foods: When sugar combines with your saliva, it creates an acidic plaque that can erode your enamel.
• Sticky or Chewy Foods: Gooey residue can cling to your teeth and be difficult to remove.
• Overly Hard Foods: Biting and chewing overly hard foods, like ice, can lead to a break or fracture.

With a few changes to your meals and snacks, you can invest in a healthy smile that lasts.

About Dr. Raj Gaur

Besides earning his dental degree, Dr. Raj has over 350 hours of continuing education in advanced treatments, like prosthetics, full mouth implant rehabilitation, and cosmetic dentistry. As a general and pediatric dentist in Huntington, he can create generations of healthy, beautiful smiles. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.