As we move into the New Year, many of us try to adopt new habits or change old ones. January is the beginning of a new year, so it is perfect for trying new things. For a lot of people, New Year’s resolutions are tied to dieting and food.
Rather than trying a new fad diet, consider a resolution to be healthier. One way you can focus your attention is to keep your smile healthy. In fact, you can adopt a healthy habit and keep your smile healthy at the same time. If you have a good daily oral health routine, you may want to look at your snack choices.
Swapping out sugary foods for alternative snacks can improve your oral health.
Calcium-Rich Foods
One of the building blocks for your teeth is a mineral called calcium. It is what keeps your teeth strong and healthy. In fact, the primary element that makes up your enamel is calcium. Without calcium, your enamel would become weak and brittle, increasing your chances of developing tooth decay.
One way that you can boost your enamel health is to consume more calcium-rich foods. Most dairy products contain higher levels of calcium and not a lot of sugar. Therefore, they are good for your teeth. In addition, yogurt, cheese, and milk are snacks that you can eat to keep your teeth strong.
Additionally, there are several vegetables that are rich in calcium. For example, many green vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, and more, are healthy sources of calcium.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy and have a high water content are great snacks to add to your diet. For example, carrots and celery have fiber and a good crunch to their texture. When you bite into carrots or celery, it helps remove plaque.
Additionally, foods that have a high water content help stimulate saliva production. Saliva is essential for a healthy mouth. If you do not create enough saliva, you may suffer from a condition known as “dry mouth.” People with dry mouths are more likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease. This is because saliva helps to neutralize the harmful bacteria that cause those dental problems.
Avoid Sugary Sweets
Many of us know that sugar is not great for our teeth or our health. Although, moderation is key with everything in our diets. However, sugar is not the sole reason for tooth destruction. In your mouth, there is a complex environment. Both good and harmful bacteria generally live in balance. Things like your oral health and diet can upset the balance and create more bad bacteria.
One type of harmful bacteria—plaque—consumes sugar. When the bacteria eat sugar, they create an acid that erodes the enamel. Unfortunately, this leads to tooth decay or gum disease.
Sugar may not be the sole bad guy for our teeth, but it is better to limit our intake. Therefore, reducing the amount of sugar can help keep your teeth healthier.