Eating Better for Dental Health

Everything that you eat will be absorbed by your body, and used as efficiently as possible. Eating foods that are unhealthy, or lacking in nutrients, can have a negative impact on your health in several ways. A balance of certain minerals and nutrients should be ingested every day to prevent oral diseases, and improve your dental health. You should do your best to avoid “unhealthy” foods and snacks that are full of sugar because they are more likely to cause tooth decay.

Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium and phosphorus play important roles in the process of remineralization, or the act of depositing minerals back into the tooth’s structure after it has been eroded by acid. Eating your daily recommended amount of dairy products is vital in ensuring that your teeth receive enough minerals to help prevent tooth decay. Foods and drinks that you can ingest daily to help rebuild your mineral levels include:

• Low-Fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Lean meat and tofu
• Dark, leafy vegetables

Water

Although it is not a food, water is one of the most important things you can ingest for your dental health. Dehydration can wreak havoc on your teeth because low saliva levels contribute to tooth decay. You need adequate saliva to help wash away harmful bacteria that lives in your mouth, and to help with remineralization. Many food items contain tons of water as well, like crunchy vegetables and raw fruit. High-fiber foods are even better for maintaining a healthy smile. Consider increasing your daily intake of apples, celery, carrots, and pears, which can be eaten as healthy snacks.

Combine Acidic Foods with Meals

Acidic and sugary foods contribute greatly to the formation of cavities, and are better to be enjoyed during a meal instead of by themselves. While eating a full meal, your mouth produces more saliva that can combat the side effects of acid and sugar, which will reduce your chances of tooth decay.

 ABOUT YOUR MAPLE GROVE, MN, DENTIST:

To schedule an appointment at Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, call our office today at (763) 416-0606. We proudly serve residents of Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Rogers, Elk River, Osseo, Otsego, Plymouth, Wayzata, and surrounding communities.