We all want to take care of our bodies, and that starts with what we eat. To make it easier to feed a healthy smile, Dr. Scott Chandler and our dental team have some diet do’s and don’ts to share with you today!
Do:
Eat fruits and vegetables. Crunchy, water-filled fruits and veggies such as apples, pears, and celery fight cavities by scraping plaque and food particles away from teeth. They also stimulate saliva production, which is the body’s first defense against cavities.
Choose calcium and phosphorous. Calcium and phosphorus are essential nutrients for a healthy smile. Phosphorus can be found in protein-rich foods such as milk and other lean proteins such as chicken. Calcium can be found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products, as well as in beans, dark leafy greens, and fortified foods such as orange juice and tofu.
Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, washing away food particles and coating the mouth with healthy nutrients and bacteria-fighting substances.
Don’t:
Chew On Ice: Ice is for cooling off drinks, not for chewing! Ice can be very damaging to your tooth enamel, and frequently causes oral accidents such as chipped or cracked teeth.
Consume sugars and acids. Cavities occur when damaging bacteria use sugars to create acid that erodes the tooth enamel. This does not mean you should never eat sugar or drink juice again, but you do need to be careful. Drink lots of water and clean your teeth well after eating.
Brush Immediately After Eating: Brushing immediately after eating can cause damage to your enamel. Wait about 20 minutes before brushing or flossing, especially after eating acidic foods. Try chewing sugar-free gum during that time to help fight cavities while you wait.
For more mouth-healthy tips, contact our team at Dr. Scott Chandler, DMD at 435-649-2078. We look forward to helping your smile shine!
