Taking care of your teeth is not just about brushing your teeth every night. It is also about what you eat as well. Your diet has a large impact on your overall dental health.
Stick to Water
When you want something to drink, stick to water. Water is literally the best thing to drink for your body and for your teeth. If you get bored with regular water, try sparkling water or adding fruit and vegetables, such as cucumber, to your water for a little extra flavor.
Soda, juices, and sports drinks all contain a high amount of sugar, which is not good for your teeth. These drinks are really acidic as well, and eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Drinks such as coffee and wine can stain your teeth, which is not ideal either. When you are thirst, reach for water first.
Stick to Meals
Instead of eating lots of snacks throughout the day, stick to eating meals. When you eat an entire meal, more saliva is released from your mouth during the process, which helps keep your teeth clean. Not as much saliva is released when you just snack a little bit, leaving more food and sugar behind on your teeth. It is better to eat three to five meals per day than it is to snack all day for your teeth.
Use Fruits & Vegetables For Snacks
When you do need a snack, try to stick with fruits and vegetables. Some of the more crunchier fruits and vegetables that you have to chew more, such as cucumbers and celery as well as apples are the best types of snacks
Cruncher fruits and vegetables require you to chew for longer periods of time, creating additional saliva that will clean your mouth. Most crunch fruit and vegetables also have a rougher texture which can help clean your teeth as you eat them.
Consume The Major Food Groups
Try to stick to a healthy diet that covers the major food groups. Your regular diet should include things such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low fat dairy foods and lean protein. All of these types of food work together to provide your body with the nutrient it needs to keep your teeth and gums healthy and in good shape. Stay away from sugar and junk food, and try to go as natural with your food as you can for all of your meals.
In order to protect the health of your teeth and gums, stick to water when you are thirst, try to eat meals made of natural, whole foods. When you need a snack, stick to eating crispy fruits and vegetables that can keep your teeth clean while satisfying your hunger.