Eat Your Way to Healthy Smile

You already work hard to keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing. What else could be missing? Like the rest of our body, our mouth also needs nutrients to stay healthy. Let's talk about the best foods for keeping teeth healthy.

Calcium and Phosphorus Sources

Our teeth are composed of minerals. These minerals are lost and replenished during the remineralization process that naturally occurs in our teeth. However, when the acids become too strong, the minerals in our teeth become their target. This can cause the outermost layer of the teeth, the enamel, to corrode. Calcium is crucial as it helps keep the enamel healthy and strong. It works even better when combined with phosphorus. Together they help replenish lost minerals in the teeth. Here are some food choices that are great sources of calcium and/or phosphorus:

• Cheese. Hard cheese is a great source of calcium for your teeth, but you can always go for something simple like cheddar. Cheese helps boost saliva flow and lowers the acid level in the mouth.
• Yogurt. It’s not surprising that yogurt is growing in popularity. It’s a healthy snack that is rich in calcium. It also helps you fight gum disease by increasing the number of good bacteria in the mouth.
• Tofu. Vegetarians can opt for tofu for a teeth-friendly meal. Tofu is rich in phosphorus which helps protect teeth enamel.
• Almonds. Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with both calcium and phosphorus. They help our teeth in the fight against cavities.
• Seafood. Fatty fish, such as salmon, are also filled with phosphorus. This is vital for strengthening tooth enamel.

Crunchy, water-rich food

Crunchy food helps promote saliva flow in the mouth. They also serve as natural teeth cleaners, helping to remove food residue on tooth surfaces. Take them with you for your snacks during the day. If you have kids, it’s good to start introducing them to these healthy snack alternatives. Sweets are good from time to time, but they need to be enjoyed sparingly.

• Apples. They’re high in water content, plus they’re tasty too.
• Carrots. Since carrots are hard and require a lot of chewing, they help stimulate saliva production in the mouth. Their texture also helps to gently scrub tooth surfaces.
• Celery. This raw vegetable is not just good for the body, it’s great for our teeth too. Consider it a natural dental floss, thanks to its fiber-rich strands.

Vitamin D Sources. Vitamin D is good for your overall health as it helps with optimum calcium absorption.

• Sunlight. While it does not qualify as food, sunlight is known as the best source for Vitamin D, so when the sun is out, make sure to get your dose of Vitamin D.
• Eggs yolks. They're rich with vitamin D that can help reduce the risk of developing tooth decay. If you’re not fond of eggs, give just the yokes a try.

As you plan your meals, don't forget to incorporate the best foods for your teeth. For more information on how you can keep your teeth in tip-top shape, leave us a message. Let's make your smile better.