It is important to eat a diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins. Vitamin deficiencies can cause issues with overall health and oral health.
Raw crunchy fruit and vegetables
These are great for your teeth because they act as self-cleansers. Fruits and vegetables such as fresh carrots, apples and celery will help to remove plaque from your tooth surfaces and leave your teeth cleaner.
Cheeses
Cheese helps to reduce the pH level of your mouth because on a pH scale, it is more basic than acidic. This can be helpful to reduce the acidity of your mouth, especially after eating or drinking something more acidic or sugary. Cheese can also help reduce cavities and acid erosion.
Candies or gum containing Xylitol
Xylitol is an ingredient that is added into toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, mints and candies that helps to reduce the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Xylitol helps to reduce your risk of cavities.
Bad Foods for Your Teeth
Unfortunately, there are many foods out that are bad for teeth than there are foods that are good for your teeth. Sugars and acids are the two main factors to try to reduce or avoid.
Soda
Soda is dangerous because it contains both acids and sugars. Soda bathes your teeth in both sugars and acids with every sip and extends the exposure time to your teeth. It is important to note that if you sip a small soda over a few hours, it is worse for your teeth than gulping down a large soda all at once. Cavities are caused by exposure time more so than quantity.
Candy
Candy contains sugars and is often sticky, chewy or gummy and will get stuck in the biting surfaces of your teeth. Any candy that doesn’t clear away from your teeth quickly will extend the exposure time to the sugar and potentially cause more cavities.
Citrus fruit
While relatively good for your health, too much citrus fruit can lead to enamel erosion because of the acids. Try to rinse your mouth with water after eating citrus fruits or foods high in acid.