You know that some foods are well-known for staining teeth, while others are notorious for causing cavities to develop. Some foods and beverages can cause lingering bad breath, and others can directly erode your teeth’s protective layer of enamel. Everything your teeth come into contact with affects them in some way, but fortunately,…
You know that some foods are well-known for staining teeth, while others are notorious for causing cavities to develop. Some foods and beverages can cause lingering bad breath, and others can directly erode your teeth’s protective layer of enamel. Everything your teeth come into contact with affects them in some way, but fortunately, that’s not always a bad thing. Your teeth and gums also rely on certain nutrients, and you can better preserve your oral health with foods that strengthen teeth, rather than threaten them.
Teeth-Friendly Foods
Dairy products
Dairy products like milk and cheese are often lauded for their benefits to building strong, formidable bones. The same minerals responsible (calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D, mainly) are just as essential to forming and maintaining your teeth and the jawbone that supports them. Calcium and phosphate are the main building blocks of tooth enamel, and vitamin D is necessary for your body to process and utilize the minerals in proper proportion.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables contain a wealth of minerals and nutrients, as well. Crunchy fruits and veggies, like apples and celery, provide the additional benefit of a minor teeth-cleaning every time you eat them. Their fibrous texture acts like a system of miniscule scrub brushes that can help clean away food particles and minor deposits of bacteria. Strawberries are especially notable for their source of antioxidants, which help fight off harmful microorganisms, and their slight malic acid content that helps whiten teeth and more thoroughly clean your enamel.
Meat Proteins
Lean meats, such as chicken, beef, and turkey, provide proteins that contain phosphate as well as a number of essential amino acids. Lean means the fat and skin have been carved off, and the meat has been cooked in the oven or on the grill. For vegetarians, tofu may be a suitable protein substitute to meat.
ABOUT YOUR KNOXVILLE FAMILY DENTIST:
Jim Erpenbach, DDS, has proudly provided expert dentistry services to families in Knoxville, TN, and all surrounding communities, for over 28 years. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Erpenbach,-call our office today-at 865-584-8630.
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