You may already know which foods are bad for your teeth (candy, cookies, potato chips, sticky caramel and taffy, ice, etc.) but do you know which foods are good for your teeth? Here are some beneficial choices for your teeth and gums:
Carrot Sticks & Apple Slices
Fresh fruit and vegetables are loaded with healthful nutrients that are essential for your oral health and overall health. Carrots and apples are particularly easy snacks that are both nutritious and tasty. Apples and carrots contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and more. Carrots are also a great source of vitamin A.
Carrots and apples are delightfully crunchy. When you munch on them, you do your teeth a service by scraping away some of the plaque and food particles that linger on the surface of your teeth. While carrots and apples are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, they can provide some help until you do clean your teeth.
For a more filling snack, apple slices can be paired with a nut butter, while carrots can be dipped in hummus or guacamole.
Cheese
Cheese is a creamy, savory snack that contains protein, calcium, and phosphate. It helps build strong teeth and bones, and has the added benefits of being able to balance the pH levels within your mouth and stimulate the production of saliva. These reduce the prevalence of decay-causing acids.
We do not recommend very processed “cheeses” like Cheese Whiz and Velveeta.
Sugarless Gum
When you crave something sweet, a fruity sugar-free gum can help satisfy your sweet tooth. It scrubs the surface of your teeth while you chew, stimulates salivary production, freshens breath, and can temporarily curb your appetite.
Southwest Smiles Can Help You Have a Healthy Mouth!
Remember, a healthy smile depends not only on what you eat but on your preventive oral care at home and at the dentist. So, do you have your next biannual cleaning and checkup scheduled with our team at Southwest Smiles? Please contact us today!