Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

5 Things To Eat For Healthy Teeth

Monday, October 12, 2015

There is a long list of things that we eat that are bad for our smiles, but there are a lot of things we can eat that can improve the health of our teeth.

Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are natures toothbrush. Chewing these actually removes plaque from the teeth and stimulates saliva production. Saliva does two things, it washes away debris in the mouth and helps control the bacteria that cause cavities.
Cheese. Dairy products like cheese are full of calcium, but cheese is great for your smile in another way. It can stop cavities. Certain cheeses, like cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack help balance the pH levels in the mouth. Since cavity formation flourishes in an acidic environment this is a huge boost for oral health. But there is more good news about cheese, when the calcium and phosphorous in cheese combine with saliva, the reaction actually restores minerals to the teeth helping them stay strong.
Almonds pack a huge nutritional boost to teeth. Teeth need a combination of phosphorous for bone formation, vitamin D and magnesium to absorb calcium, vitamin B to prevent mouth sores and vitamins C and potassium to maintain strong gum tissue. Almonds are packed with all of these nutrients.
Chocolate. But wait, isn't candy bad for teeth? The answer is usually yes because of the sugar but cocoa contains polyphenols that actually protect teeth from decay. Cocoa extracts have been shown to work as well as fluoride to strengthen teeth.
Tea. A cup of tea is relaxing and it is great for teeth. Black or green tea is a rich source of many micronutrients that reduce gum disease. A 2004 Rutgers University study showed that antioxidants called catechins, found in green tea, reduced gum inflammation.

You are what you eat and choosing wisely can improve your overall health and the health of your smile!

Please contact the Boca Raton office of cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell today to find out more about keeping your smile healthy. We can be reached at 561-394-9000.

Labels: gum disease, tooth decay

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2 Comments:

Unknown said...: I'm thinking about getting some dental work done (Invisalign and teeth whitening) because I'm really embarrassed about my teeth, and with all the time I've been thinking about my mouth, I've started to pay closer attention to how I'm currently taking care of my teeth. I brush my teeth and floss them, but I love this article because I always just stop there as far as tooth health goes. I think I'll start packing some carrots and celery with my lunches and eat them last and try to incorporate more of these foods. I'd hate to get the smile of my dreams and then ruin it by not doing all I can to keep it healthy! http://www.greenbrierfamilydental.com/cosmetic-dentistry/; 12:08 PM
Unknown said...: He was the most expert dental practitioner I've have ever met. His office and staff were truly far ahead of other specialists. My last visit at dentist Torrance office with my buddy was fantastic.; 1:49 AM