THERE IS NO WAY AROUND IT – Your toothbrush and floss pack the greatest punch against cavities.
It is also fun to know that certain foods can also help protect your teeth. That’s right! Comfort Dental would like to share a few tooth healthy snacks with you. The list might even surprise you.
1 -Broccoli
A 2010 lab-based study in The European Journal of Dentistry showed that after being exposed to an acidic drink like cola, enamel erodes half as quickly when exposed to broccoli beforehand. Researchers explain that the iron in broccoli may help form a protective acid-resistant film on teeth.
2 – Pears
Many fruits, like lemons, limes, oranges, and most berries, are actually quite bad for your teeth because they’re high in acid. Pears, on the other hand, are terrific for them.
A South African study measured the acidity of plaque and found it became less acidic after eating a pear. Not only do they have a high water content—which helps dilute the sugar—but they also stimulate the flow of saliva, buffering your teeth against acid.
3 – Cheese
Calcium is king! Cheese has been shown to strengthen your teeth and protect them against staining.
Here’s how it works: Excessive acid in your mouth can cause erosion of your enamel, which can lead to sensitivity, pain, and darker teeth. Eating cheese before a glass of wine, a sip of cola, or a bite of a tomato can help neutralize that acid.
4 – Sugarless Gum
The benefits of chewing sugarless gum are actually not new. Gum chewing helps dislodge food particles that become lodged between your teeth. To get the most benefit – just make sure to choose a type like Trident that has the sugar substitute xylitol. Unlike other sugar substitutes, xylitol can’t be broken down into an acid by bacteria in your mouth.
Dr. Brucken and Dr. Stubbs – and our entire Comfort Dental staff hope you are having a great summer! If you have any dental questions, please let us know! We are here to help make sure you and your family have healthy smiles for a lifetime.
