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Food that Keep Smiles Healthy

Anonymous • Mar 02, 2015

Discover what foods you should incorporate into your diet for healthier teeth and gums.

When we let sugars and starches sit on our teeth after a meal this feeds the bacteria that live in our mouth and can eventually causeFood tooth decay. To prevent decay from forming it’s important to incorporate a smile-healthy diet into your daily life. If you want to enjoy a healthy, brighter smile then your Lincoln family dentist recommends adding these teeth-friendly foods to your mealtimes.

Cheese

Cheese comes from milk so it is a great way to get calcium, which helps keep bones and teeth strong and healthy. Calcium is a vital nutrient to the health of your smile. Every time you eat cheese it coats the tooth with calcium, which helps protect healthy enamel from the damaging effects of decay. However, while cheese does offer a barrier against decay (and, let’s face it, is just downright delicious!) it is high in fat, so unfortunately you should eat this food in moderation.

a bowl of mixfruits - Lincoln, NE - Blome Family Dentistry

Apples

Apples and other crisp fruits like pears have sometimes been referred to as “nature’s toothbrush” because they stimulate saliva, which helps to wash away the bacteria and buildup that causes cavities. Not to mention that apples and other fruits are loaded with essential vitamins to keep you and your body healthy.

Lean proteins

Besides making sure that you get your daily dose of calcium you also need phosphorous to maintain strong enamel. This means adding eggs, chicken and lean red meat into your diet to help keep your pH levels at an optimal level, which will prevent the bacteria in your mouth from causing cavities.

Crunchy vegetables

With their high water content, crispy veggies not only stimulate saliva to wash away food and bacteria, but they also help dilute sugar’s effects on the teeth. Not to mention vegetables are chock full of vital nutrients that a smile and body needs to stay healthy.

Sugar-free gum

OK, so this isn’t exactly an item for which to plan an entire meal around but if you are joining for a treat you may want to turn to sugar-free gum for your fix. Most sugar-free gum contains a chemical known as Xylitol, which may actually prevent cavities from forming. Furthermore, just the act of chewing gum and also stimulate the production of saliva, which is great for after eating a meal (if, of course, you can’t go for your toothbrush immediately after).

Besides maintaining a healthy diet it’s also important to continue to see your Lincoln family dentist every six months for routine care. If it’s time for your next checkup contact Blome Family Dentistry today!

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