Food does more than nourish your body; it also helps keep your teeth strong and healthy. Every day, Rochester family dentist Dr. David K. Skeels and his staff provide patients with the information they need to make the best food choices. They know that choosing food wisely can help prevent tooth decay, which can lead to the need for tooth extractions or root canals.

Healthy, crunchy foods share one common quality. They stimulate saliva production, which helps remove food particles and reduces acids in your mouth. Try these three types of crunchy foods for optimum oral health:

• Raw Vegetables: In the mood for a healthy snack? Choose crunchy vegetables that are high in fiber, like carrots, kale, and broccoli. Celery is a particularly good choice. The long, fibrous strands that make up a stalk tend to slide between your teeth like dental floss. The underappreciated onion is also a good choice because it can kill the bacteria that causes tooth decay.
• Raw Fruits: Munch on apples and pears. As you snack, these natural teeth cleaners will increase saliva and keep acids in check.
• Nuts: Cashews and other nuts not only increase saliva production, but they also provide the vitamin D and calcium needed for healthy teeth.

Eating tooth-friendly crunchy snacks is an easy way to improve your oral health. It’s one habit that will definitely impress your dentist. Call Dr. David K. Skeels at (585) 467-7000 and make an appointment today. Learn more about teeth cleaning, tooth implants, and all of the other services he offers on his website or Facebook page.