We’ve all heard that we are what we eat – and it’s true! What we consume on a daily basis impacts every part of us, including our teeth and gums. The food that passes through our mouth has a profound effect on our oral health and the wellbeing of our entire body. Even with regular brushing, flossing and checkups at the dentist, you may still not be supporting your oral health as needed when consuming an unhealthy diet. If you’ve been wondering “what are the best and worst foods for my teeth?” we’ve created this short guide to help you think about what you purchase the next time you head to the grocery store.
The Best Food for Your Teeth
We may not pay much attention to the health of our mouth, but our teeth and gums need nutrients and vitamins just like the rest of our body does in order to prevent decay and disease. Foods that contain vitamins A and D, in addition to fiber, phosphorous and calcium help to keep teeth and gums strong and in tip-top shape. Here are a few staples to add to your grocery list to help boost your oral health.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is very beneficial to our health and is always a good staple to have in the house. It can be used in a variety of different ways – for cooking, adding in smoothies or it can even be consumed directly. This powerful oil is anti-fungal and is high in lauric acid, which helps to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. This makes it an excellent source for preventing tooth decay, boosting the health of your gums, and even whitening tooth enamel.
Celery
When you’re craving a crunchy snack, reach for some celery instead of a bag of chips. Though it contains mostly water, this veggie is great at increasing saliva production in your mouth as it forces you to crunch and chew more. Celery can help to prevent cavities from forming by cleansing away the food particles that get stuck in between teeth. Other crunchy vegetables are also good for this reason.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds may not be the first thing that comes to mind for helping your teeth, but these tiny seeds are packed full of all the essentials nutrients that our teeth and gums need. Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and fiber are all found within chia seeds, which are also great for boosting energy and improving your digestive system.
The Worst Foods for Your Teeth
Citrus
Though citrus fruits are good for the body, the acid within them can weaken and seriously damage your tooth enamel over time. So before grabbing that glass of orange juice or lemon water in the morning, drink it before brushing your teeth and wait at least 30 minutes afterwards before brushing. Using a reusable straw and rinsing out your mouth after consuming these fruits is always a good way to protect your enamel.
Dried Fruit & Candy
You may be surprised to see dried fruit and candy placed together, but they’re often equally as bad for your oral health. Whether it’s a bag of trail mix or gummies, these treats are packed full of sugar which help bacteria thrive. Plus, their soft, sticky texture makes them even more damaging since they can easily stick in between your teeth.
Pickles
Our favourite burger and sandwich topping is one that may also surprise you on this list. As delicious as pickles are, they’re also a major culprit for tooth decay. In fact, a study conducted in the UK found that pickles wore teeth down more than any other food, thanks to the acidity of the vinegar solution they soak in. So eat them sparingly!
Interested in learning how to alter your diet to improve your oral teeth? At Teal Umbrella, our team is always happy to answer any questions and offer professional advice to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Get in touch to book your appointment today!
