We’ve all heard parents telling their kids that they have had enough junk food, that their teeth are going to rot out of their mouths. Right? But how often do you hear: “Billy! Have some milk! It’s good for your teeth!”

Most of us have been well taught about what foods are bad for our teeth: candy, pop, juice – basically, anything containing a refined sugar – but also citric acid (think oranges!) and any food that is chewy and could damage enamel or existing fillings.

So what about foods that are good for our teeth?

 

Foods that Provide Calcium and Phosphorus

We can all agree that calcium is a good thing, both for healthy teeth AND bones. But what is phosphorus? Basically, it helps to return natural minerals to the surface of teeth (tooth enamel) that have been stripped away by bacterial acids. Calcium phosphates work to remineralize teeth and protect them from acids.

The foods that provide calcium and phosphorus: cheese and other dairy products, chicken and other meats, eggs, fish, leafy greens, nuts and milk.

 

Foods that have a High Water Content

Water helps to dilute the sugars in your mouth that form while eating and drinking. Less sugar = less tooth decay. So while an apple does have a fair amount of sugar, it also contains water, which dilutes the sugar.

Other foods that fit this description? Pears, cucumber and watermelon.

 

Foods that have a High ‘Crunch’ Factor

As above, fruits and vegetables not only contain a lot of water but also fiber. The crunchiness of apples helps to act as a natural toothbrush. In addition, the fiber helps to stimulate the flow of saliva in the mouth, which helps to wash away damaging sugars and acids from the tooth enamel.

Other examples? Carrots, celery… any fruit or vegetable that’s high on the crunch quotient!

 

Drinks that are Simple in Composition

Most all drinks – whether fruit or otherwise – contain a lot of sugar. In fact, most ‘all natural’ fruit juices contain as much if not more sugar that soda pop! Your ideal drinks are the simplest: milk, water and unsweetened tea.

 

Polyphenol Rich Foods

Polyphenols slow the growth of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to cavities and gum disease; they also act to prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. Polyphenols can be found in green and black tea as well as certain fruits, such as cranberries.

“Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that people who rinsed their mouths with black tea for one minute, 10 times a day, had less plaque buildup on their teeth than people who rinsed their mouths with water. What’s more, the size and stickness of their plaque was reduced.”

What’s good for your body – healthy eating – is good for your teeth too! If you’re looking for a family dentist, we’d love you to check us out! We have dentist offices in both Milton and Scarborough, both with evening and weekend hours, so give us a call today at our Milton dental office at (905) 636 – 9770 or at our Scarborough dental office at (416) 291 – 0306. Give us a call to book an appointment and let’s get started!