West Palm Beach Dentist Explains Relationship Between Food And Oral Health

Your diet may be impacting your smile more than you realize. The foods and drinks we enjoy every day either have a good or bad impact on our teeth and gums. Just like sugar and candy are harmful, fruits and veggies are excellent for your smile! Our dental professionals, found with a simple search for a dentist near me, have some advice on how you can use your diet to strengthen your smile.

Lean Proteins

Lean proteins like meat, fish, and plant-based meat substitutes strengthen your smile. Proteins contain phosphorus, which is essential to strengthen enamel. Red meat contains an amino acid called arginine, which breaks down biofilm that naturally collects in your mouth throughout the day. Other proteins, like tofu, are rich in calcium which fortify your teeth and bones. 

Dairy

Dairy products like eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese all protect your teeth and gums. These products encourage saliva production, which keeps your smile clean throughout the day. They are also high in calcium and protein, which are essential for a long-lasting smile. If you don’t eat dairy, make sure you are choosing unsweetened calcium-fortified dairy alternative products. These products give you all the benefits of dairy products without consuming actual dairy. 

Crunchy Fruits & Veggies

Fibrous fruits and veggies are excellent for your body and smile. Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery all clean your teeth and gums. While they are no substitute for proper brushing and flossing, crunchy fruits and veggies still work to remove some plaque and bacteria build-up. These foods also stimulate saliva production and freshen breathing.

Water

Water is key when it comes to choosing a healthy drink for your smile. Hydration is a major tool to maintaining a healthy smile, so sip on water throughout your day. Staying hydrated will stimulate saliva production, which washes away any lingering bacteria or food debris left on your smile. It also helps keep your breath fresh all day long!

Keep Sweet Treats To a Minimum

Just like certain foods are excellent for your smile, other foods are damaging. Our West Palm Beach dentist has some tips for navigating foods that may be harmful to your dental health. Items like candy, soda, fruit juices, or salty snacks eat away at your enamel and contribute to plaque buildup. Consume these treats in moderation and always follow a proper dental hygiene routine. To clean your smile while you’re out, chew some sugar-free gum after meals to freshen your breath and clean bacteria off of your teeth. 

To learn more about how your diet impacts your smile, call our office at (561) 585-5891 to schedule a visit. We’ll provide personalized advice on how to improve your diet to protect your smile. Finding the best “dentist near me” doesn’t need to be difficult when Family Dentistry of Forest Hill is here.