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Your mouth is the first place food and beverages encounter, and what you consume directly affects your oral health. Thus, if you want to maintain a beautiful smile, strong teeth, a healthy tongue, and firm, pink gums, it is important to maintain a balanced diet.

Below, the dental care providers at Tohill Dentistry Somerset, KY, share some of the best and worst foods for doing just that:

Foods to Enjoy

Cheese

Cheese and other dairy products are packed with calcium and protein, which contribute to strong teeth and enamel. Researchers have also found that cheese can raise the pH levels of the mouth. When consumed with other high-pH foods, you can prevent decay by counteracting the acidic effects on tooth enamel.

Apples

Eating fresh apples stimulates the production of saliva, which helps rinse out food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, the fibrous texture of the skin acts as a natural floss and can help keep your teeth plaque-free between brushes. Carrots and celery also have similar effects.  

Fluoridated Water

Certain bottled water brands contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and can prevent decay. Consuming fluoridated water regularly will protect your teeth between professional cleanings. Certain foods may also contain fluoride, including dehydrated soups and some powdered juices.

Foods to Avoid

Sticky Snacks

dental careDried fruit, gummy candy, caramels, and other sticky candies can stick around long after you finish eating. Sticky treats can also damage dental care work like crowns, bridges, fillings, and orthodontic appliances.

Potato Chips

Potato chips aren’t just bad for your waistline; they can hurt your smile, too. Starchy foods that become soft upon chewing — like potato chips and white bread — can leave behind a film, which bacteria thrive on. This film can contribute to plaque, tartar, and eventually gum disease.

Orange Juice

Orange juice may seem healthy, but it’s packed with sugar, which can feed bacteria and lead to decay. Additionally, citrus fruits are acidic, and since they have the opposite effect on the mouth’s pH levels as cheese, they can erode enamel over time.

In addition to monitoring your diet, it is also essential to visit the dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning. If it has been over six months since your last appointment, turn to Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY. You can learn more about the comprehensive dental care this family-owned practice is proud to provide by visiting their website. Whether you need preventative or cosmetic dentistry services, you can make an appointment by calling (606) 679-4450. 

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