Sugar and many other foods are harmful to dental health, we know that, but we should also know that some foods have positive effects on your teeth. Of course, good foods are only part of the equation, so contact Hanford’s top-flight dentist, Dr. Jack Nagrani, today!
Eating Right for a Healthy Smile
Cheese & Yogurt
Eating cheese raises the pH in your mouth, which lowers your tooth decay risk while calcium and protein strengthen enamel. Yogurt, also high in calcium and protein, contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that displaces cavity-causing bacteria. Choose your yogurt carefully, please, many are loaded with added sugar!
Leafy Green Vegetables
Veggies are always on the healthy foods list — vitamins, minerals, low calories are all big positives. Kale and spinach, for example, are high in calcium and folic acid, a B-group vitamin. Not a salad person? Not to worry, toss some spinach or kale on a pizza or add it to a smoothie.
Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables
The ADA recommends avoiding sugar, but there are exceptions. Fruits contain sugar, they also contain loads of fiber, vitamins (A and C), and other nutrients. Eating crunchy foods produces saliva which rinses away bacteria and food particles and stimulates gums. A good toothbrush with decay-fighting toothpaste is far better, but a quick, healthy snack is an excellent mid-day substitute.
Nuts
Almonds have lots of calcium and protein but little sugar. Cashews are rich in iron, magnesium, and unsaturated fat. Hazelnuts are also good for unsaturated fats, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B and E. Pecans are high-calorie and high-fat, but have beta-sitosterol which helps relieve enlarged prostates. Walnuts provide omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and phytosterols. Toss back a handful at break time or add them to salads and stir-fry dinners.
How Does Nutrition Affect Oral Health?
Dental and general health are related — improving one improves the other. High-carbohydrate foods, especially sugars and starches encourage plaque acid formation, acids that attack tooth enamel forming cavities that open pathways for bacteria to get into the blood and affect the whole body. With the advances of recent decades, most dental problems can be dealt with effectively. Dr. Jack Nagrani should be your practice of choice for medical and cosmetic dentistry.
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Nagrani in Hanford, California, Now!
The San Joachin Valley is a marvelous place to live and work. Quality of life, however, is more than just a nice house and a good job. Quality medical services are vital to a long and happy life, so make an appointment with Dr. Nagrani for your family’s dental needs.