You’re probably used to hearing about all the things that are bad for your teeth these days. Soda, candy, highly acidic foods – if it tastes good, chances are it’s bad for you, right? Well, if you thought you had to give up all your favorite foods to save your teeth, we have some great news. Some of the foods we love the most aren’t just “not bad” for your teeth – some of them are actually good for your teeth. If you’re looking for ways to snack smarter but still enjoy your food, these oral health-friendly foods may just put a smile on your face!
Say Cheese!
A recent study in General Dentistry magazine claims that while all dairy benefits your teeth thanks to the calcium it contains, cheese is especially good at neutralizing plaque acids in the mouth. While it’s not clear why cheese specifically does such a great job at this (other dairy products did not change the plaque pH significantly enough), researchers hypothesize it could be a combination of the calcium and the need to chew cheese to digest it – something that is not necessary for the other foods in the study.
Wine
Wine and cheese go together like, well, wine and cheese. If you were worried your favorite glass of red was bad for your teeth due to the acidity, here’s more good news. Red wine contains an amino acid called polyphenols, which have been clinically proven to ward off oral bacteria. So next time you have that slice of oral health-friendly cheese, why not enjoy it with a nice glass of wine?
Almonds
Almonds are low in sugar but packed with protein and calcium – and they’re filling, too, so just a handful can give you the energy you need to get through that mid-afternoon slump. But they’re also great for your teeth, so next time you’re craving something crunchy, swap the chips for a handful of delicious almonds.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have a variety of benefits for your oral health. While some are packed with fiber (which scrubs your teeth while you chew) others have calcium, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Others like citrus fruits can be harmful to the teeth if the teeth are not properly cared for, but citrus is still packed with vitamins and does your body good. There’s really no fruit or veggie that doesn’t benefit your oral or overall health in some way, so nosh away without the guilt!
Coffee
While many people automatically think “coffee stains” when they think of coffee’s effect on the mouth, believe it or not, coffee is great for your teeth. When consumed with sugar substitute or no sugar at all, coffee has the ability to neutralize some plaque acids in the mouth, as do certain teas, such as green tea. To schedule an appointment with Dr. George, please call 970-812-0355.
