The Best Foods for Healthy Teeth

We’re passionate about educating our patients on how to care for their teeth, and good oral health starts with your diet. Too many of the wrong foods can increase the likelihood that you’ll develop serious oral issues down the line. On the other hand, eating the right foods can help you fight tooth decay and enjoy an attractive, healthy smile.

Here’s what you need to know about the foods that can help or hurt your oral health. Please contact us with any questions.

The Best Foods for Your Teeth

The best foods for your teeth are low in sugar and contain vitamins you need to help nourish your body. Certain foods, like celery, also have the added benefit of scraping plaque off your teeth when you eat them.

If you have any questions about your diet and how it pertains to oral health, don’t hesitate to talk with our dentist during your next appointment. Dr. Habecker is very knowledgeable about oral health and the effect it has on the rest of the body.

Here are some of the best foods for your teeth:

Dairy: Dairy is high in calcium as well as protein, which both help to strengthen your teeth. While you can’t get back any enamel that you’ve already lost, you can help protect your teeth against future damage.

Vegetables: Vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that are good for your teeth. Certain veggies, like carrots and celery, have the added benefit of scraping plaque off of your teeth when you chew them.

Leafy Greens: While all vegetables contain vitamins, leafy greens also have the advantage of being high in calcium and folic acid, which can help prevent gum disease.

Fish: Many types of fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that can help combat periodontal disease. Incorporating fish into your diet in moderation can be great for your gums!

Water: Staying hydrated is so important for maintaining healthy teeth. Water is necessary for your body to create saliva, which naturally flushes bacteria away from your teeth and gums.

The Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that lives inside your mouth. It’s also worth mentioning that these bacteria love to eat the sugary food particles left behind on your teeth and gums. That’s why your teeth may feel “fuzzy” or rough after eating sugary foods. The roughness that you’re feeling is a layer of dental plaque.

As dental plaque consumes sugar, it produces an acid that erodes tooth enamel and attacks your gums.

The good news is that you can choose foods that are low in sugar and practice good oral hygiene. That way, your next appointment with us will be cavity-free!

Here are some foods you should eat in moderation:

Coffee and Tea: While coffee and tea are fine in moderation, both of these common beverages can stain your teeth. If you do drink coffee or tea in the mornings, the best thing to do is either rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth once you’re finished so the stains don’t have time to set. Our dentist in Holland, MI, can always advise you about teeth whitening if you’re concerned about staining.

Sugary Foods: Since childhood, we’re told that eating too much candy will give you a cavity. That’s partly true! Harmful bacteria feed on sugar, so eating sweet foods means more of these bacteria find their way into your mouth. If you like to eat sugary foods, be sure you practice good oral hygiene to make up for it.

Starchy Carbs: Similar to sugar, the starches in foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes tend to stick to the teeth and accelerate tooth decay.

Alcohol: Not only do many alcoholic beverages contain sugars that can lead to cavities, but they can also dehydrate you and dry out your mouth. This prevents bacteria from being rinsed away by saliva and can lead to tooth decay. Alcohol has also been linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer.

Hard, Chewy, or Sticky Foods: You don’t have to give up on your favorite snacks, but you should be aware that you have a greater chance of cracking, breaking, or injuring your teeth when you eat foods that are too hard or that pull at your existing dental work. You might be in for an emergency dental appointment if you indulge in these treats too often.

Request an Appointment with Dr. Habecker

Eating healthy foods is a great way to take care of your smile. But please remember that it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque. You should also see our dentist at least every 6 months for a teeth cleaning, oral examination, and possible X-rays.

Dr. Habecker would be more than happy to offer more tips during your next appointment. After all, preventive care will help you maintain a healthy smile for life! To request an appointment with our dentist in Holland, MI, call Macatawa Smiles at (616) 396-7524.

This blog post has been updated.