Oral health is influenced not just by brushing and flossing but also by what you eat. While most of us know that sugary snacks can harm our teeth, there are other foods that may surprise you—some are unexpectedly beneficial, while others can be surprisingly detrimental. Making informed food choices can support dental hygiene and prevent common oral health issues over time.
At Greenwood Plenty Dental Care, our professional dentists in Bundoora often see the effects of diet on patients’ dental health, and recommend adding certain beneficial foods while avoiding others. Here’s a look at foods that may help, and some that could potentially harm, your teeth.
Foods That Are Surprisingly Good for Your Teeth
Choosing foods rich in nutrients can make a significant difference in your oral health. Including the following items in your diet may help strengthen your teeth and protect your gums.
1. Cheese
Cheese is not only delicious but also beneficial for your teeth. Rich in calcium and protein, cheese strengthens enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth. It also increases saliva production, helping wash away food particles and bacteria. Chewing on cheese can even lower the acidity in your mouth, which helps protect teeth from erosion.
2. Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with calcium and folic acid, both essential for strong teeth and gums. The fibrous texture of these vegetables also helps to scrub the surface of your teeth as you chew, which provides a natural cleansing effect. Their high water content helps rinse your mouth, reducing bacteria.
3. Apples
Known as “nature’s toothbrush,” apples have a fibrous texture that can scrub your teeth and stimulate saliva production, helping rinse away food particles. Although they contain natural sugars, apples are much healthier for teeth than processed sweets, making them a smart alternative.
4. Carrots
Raw carrots make a great crunchy snack for your teeth. Like apples, they stimulate saliva production and have a fibrous texture that provides a light scrubbing effect. Carrots are also rich in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining strong enamel.
5. Celery
Celery acts like natural dental floss, with its fibrous structure helping to clean between teeth as you chew. It’s also high in water content, helping to keep your mouth clean by washing away food particles.
6. Almonds
Almonds are a great snack for oral health. They’re high in calcium and protein, both essential for strong teeth and bones, and low in sugar, reducing the risk of cavities. Enjoy a handful of almonds for a healthy snack that’s also tooth-friendly.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium and probiotics, which benefit not only your teeth but also your gums. Probiotics help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, supporting healthier gums and reducing the risk of oral infections. Calcium helps strengthen tooth enamel, making yogurt a valuable addition to a tooth-healthy diet.
8. Green and Black Tea
Both green and black teas contain polyphenols, which help reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevent plaque formation. This can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Tea also contains fluoride, which is known for strengthening teeth.
Foods That Are Surprisingly Bad for Your Teeth
Even if a food seems healthy, it may still have hidden risks for your dental health. Moderating your intake of these foods can protect your teeth and gums.
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which is great for general health. However, their high acidity can erode tooth enamel over time. This erosion weakens teeth and makes them more prone to cavities. Rinse your mouth with water after eating citrus fruits to help wash away the acid.
2. Dried Fruits
While fresh fruits are generally healthy, dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and figs can stick to your teeth, trapping sugar against the enamel. The sticky nature of dried fruits makes it easy for bacteria to feed on the sugars, increasing the risk of cavities. Opt for fresh fruits instead, which provide fibre and water without clinging to your teeth.
3. Potato Chips
Potato chips contain starch, which breaks down into sugar and can get trapped between teeth. The starchy residue left behind can promote bacterial growth and plaque buildup. After enjoying chips, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth to reduce any leftover starch.
4. Bread
Many types of bread, especially white bread, contain refined carbohydrates that break down into sugars. This sticky residue can get lodged between teeth, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. Whole-grain bread is a better option, as it’s less processed and less likely to turn into sugar as quickly.
5. Carbonated Drinks
Soft drinks are one of the worst culprits for dental health. Not only do they contain high amounts of sugar, but they’re also highly acidic, which can erode tooth enamel over time. Even diet sodas, which lack sugar, still contain acid that weakens teeth. For a healthier alternative, drink water or herbal tea.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production, and saliva is crucial for washing away food particles and bacteria. Without adequate saliva, the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and cavities increases. If you consume alcohol, try to balance it with plenty of water to help keep your mouth hydrated.
7. Ice
Though ice doesn’t contain sugar or acids, chewing on ice can damage teeth. Ice is hard enough to cause small fractures or chips in the enamel, which may lead to sensitivity or even more severe issues over time. If you like the refreshing coolness, it’s safer to let ice melt in your mouth instead of chewing it.
Tips for Supporting Dental Health Through Diet
Maintaining a balanced diet with tooth-friendly foods can help protect your teeth over the long term. Drinking water throughout the day, especially after meals, is a simple but effective way to rinse away food particles and acids. Also, consider eating foods high in calcium, like dairy products and leafy greens, to help fortify your enamel.
For those looking for personalised advice, our Bundoora dental clinic can provide guidance on diet choices and their effects on oral health. Regular dental check-ups are also essential, as they allow for early detection of any issues and tailored advice based on your individual needs.
Incorporating beneficial foods and reducing harmful ones can make a noticeable difference in your oral health. A balanced diet, combined with good oral hygiene practices, helps ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy.
For anyone considering a trusted provider, Greenwood Plenty Dental Care as your family dentist in Bundoora is here to support you in maintaining optimal oral health for you and your family. We offer top-notch dental care in Bundoora and its surroundings, such as Macleod, Reservoir, Greensborough, Kingsbury, Watsonia and more. Call us Today!
