With all the diets and contrasting advice swirling around the internet, it can be difficult sometimes to figure out what foods are good and bad for you. When it comes to teeth, there are some big dos and don’ts. To help you out, we’ve got together some of the biggest food heavens and hells to help protect your teeth.
Food heavens
Dairy
Dairy foods, including cheese, milk and plain yoghurt, are packed with calcium, which is vital for sustaining a healthy structure for your teeth. These foods are also high in phosphates and can help to build the enamel in your teeth.
Crunchy veggies
Crunchy vegetables like celery or carrots are another great food for your teeth. These foods are saliva makers, which is a natural defence against gum disease and cavities. On top of that, crunchy veggies can also act as a natural toothbrush, helping to scrape off plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Green and black tea
While this one isn’t food, we couldn’t miss it off our list. Different types of tea, such as green and black, contain polyphenols, which have interactions with the bacteria on your teeth. These can stop bad bacteria from multiplying or damaging your teeth further. All the more reason to stick the kettle on!
Food hells
Sugary sweets
It probably won’t come as a surprise to you that sugary sweets are bad for teeth. Eating high amounts of sugar can result in a variety of issues for your teeth, including tooth decay. Sticky caramel is especially disruptive, as the saliva can struggle to wash away the sugar.
Pickles
Pickles contain high levels of vinegar, which can be acidic to your teeth. Not only does that result in staining, but the enamel of your teeth can also be worn away. A lot of picked foods also contain high amounts of sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Soft drinks
With tons of sugar packed into small cans, soft drinks are awful for your teeth. Sports drinks are one of the biggest culprits, so make sure to keep an eye on the contents of drinks to make sure they don’t exceed your limit. Don’t be fooled by sugar-free drinks either! Most of these soft drinks contain acid, which can lead to more erosion of your teeth and an increased chance of decay.
On top of eating and drinking the right things, a regular visit to the dentist is also key to improving your oral health. Get in contact with us today and book an appointment to get your teeth in tip-top condition.
