September is Teeth-Safe Food Month! Food is a central part of our lives and affects our health in more ways than we can count. Oral health is no exception! Gaining knowledge about which foods are helpful and which are dangerous for your teeth is beneficial to keeping your smile in top shape.
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues and are often linked to what we eat. One of the most common causes of cavities is refined sugar. Refined sugar is broken down by bacteria and turned into acid, which in turn dissolves the tooth enamel.
Sugar and Protection For Teeth-Safe Food Month
The frequency of sugar consumption is actually more detrimental to your oral health than the amount of sugar you consume because of this. So what are some of the best ways to enjoy your favorite sugary treats while keeping your teeth safe, during teeth-safe food month and on?
- If you want to snack, find substitutes! Many delicious snacks are much better for your teeth than candy and sweets but can still satisfy your cravings for something tasty! Try snacking on berries or yogurt – they are both sweet and good for your teeth!
- Eat sweets at a time you know you will brush soon afterward. Most people will brush their teeth pretty soon after eating a meal. Therefore, this is one of the best times to consume a sweet treat. If you’re snacking on sweets at a random time during the day, you are less likely to brush until later, and the sugar will have more time to sit on your teeth and will be more likely to damage them.
- Avoid having sugar in your mouth for an extended time. Some examples of this are soda and candies you suck on, such as lollipops. If you want to enjoy a sugary snack, a quick dessert like a piece of cake or pie is much better. When you are eating something quickly, the saliva in your mouth will be hard at work washing the debris away.
What’re The Best Food Options?
Having a balanced diet is a very important part of your oral health. Not only will the right foods keep your teeth healthy, but they will also keep your gums and bones strong. Discovering foods you enjoy that are also rich in vitamins is essential, and is not difficult to do! Foods containing folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin B12 are some of the best options for your teeth and gums. Here are some of our favorite options…
- Dairy. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt will kill two birds with one stone. They contain both calcium and vitamin B12, which are beneficial to the health of your gums and teeth!
- Beans, seeds, and nuts. These three foods have endless uses and can enhance many meals. They also contain folic acid, which will strengthen the supporting soft tissue in your mouth.
- Meat. Meats such as chicken and fish are versatile and delicious. You can’t go wrong with either because there are so many ways to cook and season them! In addition to this, they contain vitamin B12, which is great for keeping your gums healthy.
- Citrus. Whether you prefer fresh-squeezed orange juice or peeling and eating a clementine, citrus is delicious, rich in vitamin C, and perfect for keeping your soft mouth tissue healthy.
- Dark green leafy vegetables. When people think of calcium, they usually think of milk. However, certain leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collard greens are chock full of calcium and will keep your teeth strong.
Final Thoughts On Teeth-Safe Food Month
We hope you continue to protect your teeth during teeth-safe food month and beyond! Food allergies are very common, especially when it comes to things like nuts and dairy. Fortunately, the foods listed above are just a few of the options when it comes to food that will protect your teeth. You will never get bored! Making sure you eat a plethora of foods with the above vitamins and minerals will both increase your oral health and your general well-being.
We can give you plenty of tips on our blog, but it’s always better to come to see us in person! Give us a call today at (936) 295-5437 to schedule an appointment! Regular 6-month checkups are incredibly important, click here to read why.