When you brush your teeth every morning and night, you know that this is an integral part of your oral and dental health. Skipping this step can be dangerous and can allow bacteria to form, causing cavities, decay, and other potential issues. As you’re ensuring that your dental routine is up to par, your Bethesda dentist urges you to do the same with your daily diet!

 

The nutrition you consume plays a huge part in your dental health and can start to show negative side effects if your diet doesn’t include enough healthy and beneficial foods. A balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, protein-rich foods, calcium-rich foods, and other beneficial factors will give you the right nutrients that can only make your teeth stronger, your smile wider, and your overall health simply better!

 

Calcium-Rich Foods

 

With the help of these calcium rich-foods, you’ll be able to both strengthen your teeth and bones:

• Low-fat/fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese

• Dark green leafy vegetables

• Almonds

• Salmon

• Soy drinks/tofu

 

Vitamin C Foods and Drinks

 

To better your gum health, integrate some of these naturally sweet and tasty items:

• Citrus fruits and natural citrus beverages

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Spinach

• Broccoli

• Potatoes

 

Why Nutrition is Important for Your Teeth 

 

Remember, too much of a good thing can also be dangerous, so don’t hesitate to ask us how to enjoy these things moderately to get the most out of their helpful ingredients and resources. For example, while citrus fruits have plenty of natural Vitamin C, they’re also extremely abrasive and can weaken and erode your enamel. Without the protective surface of your tooth, you’re exposing the root of the tooth, which holds the nerves and can cause sharp pains when in contact with foods and drinks of varying temperatures and ingredients.

 

What to Know about Snacking

 

We know that there are countless snacks out there that promote healthy living, but not all these snacks apply to the healthiness of your teeth and gums. The act of snacking in between meals can be extremely harmful by itself – the more often you eat, especially in between your major meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the more likely you are to expose your teeth to acidic, damaging ingredients that weaken your smile.

 

If you do choose to snack, be careful on what you pick! Fresh produce is some of the best options, like celery, carrots, peppers, and cucumbers. Dried fruit, while convenient, is packed with sugary ingredients for longevity and sucked of their natural, truly beneficial aspects. Many naturally grown fruits already contain water, a beneficial factor for your smile, and dried fruit removes this to preserve the snack for longer periods of time. Trust us – still to the natural stuff!

 

Looking for more ways to maintain a healthy smile? Give your Bethesda dentist a call at 301-652-3997 and schedule a consultation with our office. Every smile is unique, and our goal is to give you the best treatment that’s right for your teeth!