Mission Viejo, CA – You must be so sick of people telling you what not to eat. Don’t eat too much bread if you want a flat stomach! Slow down on those French fries if you want to protect your heart! Avoid chocolate if you want to have clear skin!

When it comes to your teeth, sometimes what you eat can make all the difference in the world. While you already know what you shouldn’t be eating and drinking, we often don’t want to feel like we’re restricting ourselves. Here at New Generation Dentistry, we think it’s a lot better to focus on what you should eat to promote healthy teeth!

Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber are very effective in cleaning the mouth. Some of these foods physically “scrub” the teeth. In general, high-fiber foods stimulate saliva flow, which neutralizes acids that might otherwise damage your teeth, and helps freshen breath.

We recommend choosing carrots, apples, celery, or strawberries for your next snack! If none of those interests you, here is a list of other fruits that are high in fiber. For all the fitness junkies, here are some excellent suggestions from Orthodontics LA, especially if you have braces, retainers, or Invisalign.

Dairy

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are filled with important minerals for dental health. These foods contain calcium, phosphates, and vitamin D that can lessen your risk of developing tooth decay and other oral health issues.

Together, calcium and phosphates help you build strong bones and healthy teeth. Vitamin D allows your body to absorb that calcium. 75% of the US population is Vitamin D deficient, putting people at risk of weak bones, cardiovascular problems, and hypertension.  

It is important that you eat enough of these calcium-rich foods since your teeth are made mostly of calcium. If you are vegan or have other dietary restrictions, you can try soy milk, calcium-fortified juices, or any of these other dairy-free sources of calcium.

Teas

Enjoying a hot drink is a great way to wind down at the end of the day, and a cup of green or black tea has the additional benefit of protecting your teeth. Tea also has tons of healthy antioxidants and caffeine for a great energy boost, too. Polyphenols in the tea suppress bacteria and plaque, ultimately preventing cavities and reducing the risk of inflammation and gum disease. But be wary of drinking too much tea – it can cause staining and discoloration on your teeth. If you’re drinking it iced, grab a straw and if you’re having it hot, make sure to brush thoroughly when you’re finished. Moderation is key!

Nuts

Besides being a great source of protein, nuts also provide vitamins and minerals that are essential to oral health. Peanuts are high in calcium and vitamin D. Almonds are high in calcium, helping both the teeth and gums. Cashews stimulate saliva flow and helps to clean your teeth. And last, but certainly not least, walnuts are full of fiber, folic acid, thiamine, magnesium, iron, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, and zinc.

Clearly, nuts are extremely healthy options already. But with added benefits to your teeth, we definitely recommend adding them to your diet!

A lot goes into making sure that you have a healthy and happy smile for the rest of your life. What it comes down to is brushing thoroughly, flossing every day, and eating right. For all the fitness junkies, here are some excellent suggestions from Orthodontics LA, especially if you have braces, retainers, or Invisalign. Lastly, the most important aspect of maintaining those pearly whites is to remember to visit your local dentists for regular teeth cleanings.

Don’t forget, incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet is not only great for your teeth, it’s vital for your overall health. Our Mission Viejo dentists love food and encourage patients to be more conscientious of what they put into their bodies. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy the occasional bag of Hot Cheetos, just make sure to limit your portions and brush your teeth afterward!

If you have any questions about dental care, our board-certified dentists, Dr. Sasha and Dr. Sara, are happy to help. At New Generation Dentistry in Mission Viejo, we help patients prevent staining, maintain their dental health, and even whiten teeth. There are many ways to keep your smile looking healthy and bright!

Updated for 2018.