Foods That Benefit Dental Health

Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating.  They're essential for chewing and swallowing-the first steps in the digestion process.  Your mouth is your body's initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume.  So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also your teeth and gums.

Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens and almonds, are foods that can benefit tooth health thanks to their high amounts of calcium and other nutrients they provide. Protein rich foods (meat, poultry, fish, milk and eggs) are the best sources of phosphorus.  Both of these minerals help protect and rebuild tooth enamel which is critical in dental health.

Fruits and vegetables are important in healthy smiles since they consist of high amounts of water and fiber, which balance the sugars they contain and help clean the teeth.  These foods also help stimulate saliva, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from teeth and help neutralize acid, protecting teeth from decay.

Water- particularly fluoridated water- is the most tooth-friendly beverage.

Research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay. Thats because the act of chewing increases saliva in your mouth, which helps neutralize and wash away cavity-causing acids and bacteria. 

Even with all these healthy alternatives, the American Dental Association still recommends brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth with floss or other interdental cleaners.

Also regular dental check ups with the best dentist in Evansville, IN- Dr Jenkins- will help maintain those pearly whites!

source: Mouthhealthy.org