A Diet for Your Teeth?

You’ve probably thought of swapping out a slice of pizza for a salad when trying to slim down around the middle. But what you didn’t know is that making healthy choices when it comes to your food doesn’t just help your body feel better—it’s great for your teeth, too!

Here’s how making good choices when it comes to your food can help improve your dental health.

Limit Snacks

Often a staple of many weight-loss diets, limiting your snack intake is also great for your teeth. Why? Snacks are usually consumed quickly, and our mouth doesn’t have enough time to produce adequate saliva to wash away debris and acid left behind. This can lead to cavities and excess plaque buildup. If you do reach for a snack, consider a healthy alternative like a crunchy vegetable or fruit instead of a food high in sugar as sweets can wreak havoc on your teeth.

You’ll also want to stay away from these foods:

• Soda and sugary juices
• Candy and pastries
• Alcohol and coffee or tea

Good choices when it comes to teeth and diet friendly foods include:

• Lean proteins like skinless chicken or fish and turkey
• Peas and beans
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy products
• Whole grains

For the best oral health, always remember to brush your teeth twice each day. Wondering what else you can do to improve the health of your teeth? Ask us at your next appointment.