The popular saying of “you are what you eat” is really true when it comes to the health of your teeth. In order to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities, what you eat and how often you eat are very important components. Sugary foods can lead to tooth decay because the bacteria in your mouth change sugars and carbohydrates into acids which will begin to attack the enamel on your teeth. Your Burien dentist Dr. Kamal Bajwa from New Wave Dental Smiles has some advice on the best foods to eat to keep your teeth healthy and avoid needing teeth whitening treatments!
According to Dr. Bajwa, the more often you drink and snack, the more frequently you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of enamel decay. Check out Dr. Bajwa’s list of healthy foods to improve your diet and the health of your mouth.
Eat Foods High In Calcium
Foods that are high in calcium and phosphorus will help to protect your tooth enamel by remineralizing your teeth. As you eat and drink, minerals from your teeth will be stripped away by acids. The foods listed below will help to redeposit minerals into your tooth enamel. Healthy tooth enamel can help keep your teeth white.
- Cheeses
- Chicken
- Almonds
- Nuts
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Yogurt
- Kale
- Milk, soy milk, almond milk
- Sweet potatoes
- Oranges
Eat Foods With High Water Content
Eating foods that are high in water content will dilute the effects of the sugars contained within the foods. This will then stimulate saliva flow. The saliva flow will help to protect against tooth decay by washing away food particles and defending against acids. Below is a list of some foods that are high in water content.
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Celery
- Peaches
- Eggs
- Cottage Cheese
- Bell Peppers
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Lemons and citrus fruits also contain a high water content but should be eaten as a side to a larger meal in order to minimize the acids from them.
Drink These Best Beverages For Healthy Teeth
We’ve covered the best foods to eat to maintain a healthy smile, so now Dr. Bajwa has a list of the best beverages for maintaining healthy teeth. As a general rule, he recommends that you limit your consumption of very sugary drinks like soda, lemonade, and coffee or tea with a lot of added sugar or sweet creamer. If you can’t give up these drinks, avoid sipping on them for day-long periods of time. Each time you take a drink, your teeth are re-exposed to the sugar, which wears down your enamel so your teeth are in a constant state of decay. Below is a list of beverages that are low in sugar and best to drink for a healthy smile.
- Unsweetened tea
- Milk
- Water
- Real fruit juice
See The Best Burien Dentist Now!
Dr. Kamal Bajwa at New Wave Dental Smiles is dedicated to his patients and their overall health. Dr. Bajwa has been practicing dentistry for over 11 years, offering the best possible experiences for any kind of dental needs. From dental cleanings to teeth whitening, Dr. Bajwa is the experienced professional you can count on to care for your teeth. Set up an appointment to see Dr. Bajwa by calling New Wave Dental Smiles at (206) 242-8080!
