What Foods Should You Eat For Stronger Teeth?
By Isabelle Farmer | Published on October 2, 2010 | 0 Comments
It probably comes as no surprise that the foods you choose to eat have a lasting effect on your body. While generally you may think that the correlation has to do with your weight, heart health, and risks of developing diseases, foods directly impact your oral health as well.
At her dental office in Houston, TX, family dentist Isabelle Farmer DDS has seen the impact that a patient’s diet has on the condition of his teeth and gums. Eating too many sugars and animal proteins can easily lead to tooth decay and other issues, she says. On the other hand, incorporating more fiber along with fruits and vegetables into your diet will help keep your teeth in good shape for years to come. It’s not just your teeth that are affected,Dr. Farmer adds, but the particular foods that people eat are specifically reflected in the health of their gum tissue, which is why poor habits can lead to a host of major issues, including periodontal disease.
We all have a sweet tooth, Dr. Farmer says, but the trick is to satisfy cravings in a way that is still healthy and good for you. At Houston Smile Docs, she shares with her patients a list of the foods that will improve their oral health as well as the types of foods to enjoy only in moderation.
Foods to Enjoy
- Fruits and Vegetables: As a substitute for sweets like chocolate and candy, patients are encouraged to eat fruits that contain natural sugars, as these can strengthen their immune systems and make them less vulnerable to gum disease at the same time.
- High Fiber: High-fiber foods are good because they help clean the surface of your teeth while you are eating. So not only are you getting the benefits of a healthy meal, but you are going to make your teeth a little cleaner at the same time. However, Dr. Farmer points out, one way that many people get their daily fiber servings is from cereal, but many cereals on the market are loaded with harmful sugars. In order to get the benefits from the fiber in cereal without the downsides of excess sugar, she recommends buying plain cereal and then sprinkling a small amount of sugar on top as needed.
Foods to Avoid:
- Sugars: Anything packed with too many sugars is going to be bad for your health as well as your teeth. Excess sugar intake leads to tooth decay and cavities. Unfortunately, it is children that are really affected by the pitfalls of sugar since they consume the most but brush the least. Specifically, Dr. Farmer finds that sodas are the biggest culprit, and she advises all of her patients, both young and old, to curb their soda habits as much as possible.
- Animal Proteins: Americans tend to eat too much animal protein, Dr. Farmer says. Instead of becoming the main focus of the meal, the meat should be a garnish on the plate, leaving more room for the consumption of vegetables. If more people made that change, she says, we would notice a difference not only in our oral health, but in our overall health as well.
If it seems like every time you go for an oral checkup you find out that you have a new cavity or that your gums are infected, then Dr. Farmer recommends speaking with your dentist about how changes in your diet could influence a change in your oral health as well.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.