While we all know some foods (and drinks) are better for us than others, the real question remains: which foods benefit our oral health the most and which ones damage our oral health the most?

In this post, we will explore these exact questions.

One of the most critical aspects of your diet when it comes to your oral health is the amount of calcium and Vitamin D that your teeth need to stay healthy. Ensuring that you get plenty of foods that provide both Calcium and Vitamin D in your diet becomes essential to ensure that your oral health is at a premium. Fat-free or low-fat dairy products will provide both of these nutrients, so including foods like skim/1%/2% kinds of milk, low-fat cottage cheese, cheese sticks, or low-fat yogurts are all great options for adding calcium to your diet. Many of these products are fortified with Vitamin D as well, giving you additional nutrients that help build both strong bones and teeth.

Another great source of calcium that many people forget about includes foods like sesame seeds and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens. Foods like celery or carrots, which are low in sugar and high in water content can act as “mini toothbrushes” for your teeth which can help keep your teeth clean and get the sugar off of your teeth that would otherwise sit there for long periods.

The best beverage to consume for your oral health by far is water. A large portion of your body is made up of water, and it has no added sugars, acids, or other harmful chemicals that can adversely affect your oral health. Many water supplies also come treated with trace amounts of fluoride, which can help promote strong, healthy teeth as well.

Other drinks that serve your teeth best include fat-free or low-fat milk or 100% fruit juice drinks, which are much better for your teeth than other sugary soft drinks. In moderation, beverages such as black coffee and hot herbal teas are also quite safe to consume.

Just as there are foods that are good for your teeth, there are also foods that you should avoid consuming in excess if you wish to protect your dental health. Many people don’t realize that processed carbs often happen to get squished into your teeth and remain there for a more extended period. Foods such as processed chips, crackers, bread, or pasta that stick to your teeth for long periods expose your teeth to sugars that can slowly break down your teeth.

Another culprit of long-term tooth decay are candies that you suck on. Hard candies like lollipops or Jolly Ranchers come packed full of sugar and sit on your teeth for a lot longer. These foods can cause too much sugar exposure which can continue to break down your teeth. Same goes for soft desserts like cookies, cakes, or other treats that stick and stay in your mouth for long periods and remain high in sugar.

There are a variety of drinks that should be avoided when it comes to your dental health. The most damaging by far are soft drinks. Soft drinks such as sugary sodas soften and wear through the teeth’s enamel rapidly and can leave you more prone to cavities and tooth decay than almost any other drink on the market. Fruit juices are another issue that many people don’t realize affects their dental health. If not made with 100% real fruit juice, all of the additives and sweeteners can add up to make a drink that is not great for your teeth. Juices are especially dangerous when made from concentrate.

At Rosy Dental, we’re happy to guide and counsel you if you have any questions about what nutritional habits help you keep your oral health at a premium. Please contact us via telephone at 888-308-8478 for further assistance, and we’re happy to help you set up a consultation so that you can improve not only your nutrition, but your oral health as well.