No matter what you eat, your teeth will experience some wear and tear over time.  It is only right to try and reduce the stress we put on our teeth.  Obviously, foods that are high in calcium and low in sugar are going to leave your mouth in a better state of health than if you were eating sugary desserts, for example.

When it comes to your oral health – just like your bodily health – you are what you eat.  When your diet is not the best it could be, one of the first things that will start to go downhill is your teeth.  Here is a list of some of the better food items to include in your diet.

Cheese for a Healthy Mouth

Lucky for you cheese lovers out there, there is a whole other reason to eat this delicious food.  Eating cheese such as cheddar has been known to raise the pH levels in a person’s mouth which lowers their risk of tooth decay. Cheese is also a food that contains calcium, nutrients, and protein proven to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth.

To get the most out of cheese, you should eat it plainly. Combining it with bread will negate the nutritional value of cheese because of the increased starch content. You must also be wary of commercial cheese because it probably contains artificial ingredients.

Yogurt for Teeth Maintenance

Like cheese, yogurt is a dairy product that is high in protein and calcium. This makes it a great pick for a diet that helps improve the strength of your teeth.  In addition, yogurt has probiotics which, in addition to helping with digestion, can crowd out the bad bacteria in your mouth and prevent your gums from getting gum disease.  If you are going to add more yogurt to your diet, be sure to choose one with no added sugar.

Leafy Greens to Guarantee Healthy Mouth

The darker the better!  Vegetables with a darker hue of green often carry more iron and nutrients than their paler counterparts.  Greens such as kale and spinach are high in calcium and folic acid, which is a B vitamin with multiple health benefits, including guarding against gum disease.

For more information on what foods to eat to maintain a healthy smile, visit Sherwood Dental today!