Foods that Promote Healthy, Strong Teeth.

Most people are aware of the health benefits gained by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, but people may not know there are several foods that promote healthy teeth as well. It’s very important to have a well-balanced diet across the major food groups, which includes protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods. Here are some of the best foods you can eat to promote strong healthy teeth.

 

Calcium is needed to strengthen bones and teeth in your body, and is fortunately found in many, readily available foods. Calcium-rich foods include yogurt, cheese, fat-free milk, low-fat milk, canned salmon, almonds, fortified soy drinks, leafy green vegetables, and tofu. If you regularly include some of these foods in your diet, you’ll get all the calcium you need.

 

Vitamin C is essential for healthy gums, so try to include in your diet as often as possible. You’ll find vitamin C in tomatoes, citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach, peppers, and potatoes. You may not like all the foods in this list, but if you  include two or three in your diet, you’ll get adequate vitamin C.

 

Foods that are rich in phosphorus are very good for the development of strong teeth, so include some of these as well. You’ll find all the phosphorus you need in nuts, beans, dairy products, fish, eggs, and lean meats.

 

The foods listed above are foods that promote strong teeth, and you should eat them for your teeth and gums.  There are also some things you should not do to keep your teeth strong and healthy, and one is snacking. Snacking between meals exposes your teeth to more frequent attacks from the acids created when food is broken down. In those cases where you do snack between meals, try to avoid sugary snacks and limit yourself to fruits, vegetables, or yogurt. These are much less damaging to your teeth, and will help keep you full until the next meal.

 

Another very important part of maintaining strong and healthy teeth should include regular dental checkups every six months. If you live in the Colorado Springs area and not a patient contact us at HollowBrook Dental.  We offer free, new patient consultations. Together we can develop a program to your teeth strong and healthy, so they last far into the future.