The Best Tooth-Friendly Snacks

As dentists in Blackburn, we talk a lot about how much diet has an impact on your dental health. You probably know about how much sugar we eat already – sometimes without even knowing it – but you’ll be happy to learn there are other easily-available foods that are far better for your teeth. For example…

Tackling Mouth Bacteria

We’ve talked before about the millions and millions of bacteria that live in your mouth at any one moment. You’ll be happy to hear that far from all of them being bad for you, there are actually a fair few that are actively doing good for your teeth – which is great news for when you find yourself going for dental treatment. For the ones that aren’t, there are a couple of foods that can help tackle their numbers. Onions, for example, contain a potent antibacterial sulphur compound which kills Streptococcus mutans – one of the bacteria baddies that feed on sugar and produce enamel-eroding acids. Scientists reckon that onions are at their most powerful when eaten freshly peeled and raw, so that might be one for your evening meal rather than office lunchtime.

Luckily, a milder alternative is celery. As a tough, stringy food, the extra chewing that it requires produces plenty of saliva – your mouth’s natural defence against bacteria, which can neutralise the acids produced by harmful bacteria. Also, naturally abrasive foods massage your gums and clean your teeth as you eat them!

Strengthening Your Teeth

We’ve got some good news for all you dairy lovers – cheese has tangible scientific benefits when it comes to your dental health. Its high calcium and phosphate content balances the pH in your mouth, again neutralising harmful acids. It also encourages saliva production, and rebuilds your tooth enamel. It’s so good for you in these respects that some scientists even recommend a cube of cheese as an alternative to desserts after meals.

Sesame seeds are another calcium-high food that helps to preserve the bone around your teeth and gums, and builds tooth enamel in much the same way dairy does. The nitty-gritty food helps to slough off plaque as it does so.

Getting Your Daily Dose Of Vitamin C

Regular intake of vitamin C is vital to maintaining good dental health. Without vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums is in danger of breaking down, making you more susceptible to gingivitis and gum disease. For this, kiwis aren’t to be underestimated when it comes to vitamin C. A large kiwi packs more than 100% of your recommended daily amount! Oranges, too, are fantastic sources of vitamin C, like a lot of citrus fruits. Careful, though – citrus fruits are also very acidic, which can do a number on your teeth if you overdo it. Finally, drinking lots of water keeps your gums hydrated, and is another awesome way to stimulate saliva production. It also helps wash away trapped food particles that can be potential food sources for bad bacteria.

Of course, these are far from the only tooth-friendly snacks about, but they’re some of the easiest and tastiest. At APSmilecare, we’re passionate about your smile – if you have any questions about this post, or need any other help or advice, we’re just a phone call away on 01254 297 000.

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