While brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular visits to the dentist are the best ways to prevent cavities, there are more methods you can try to ward off developing this issue. Certain foods can also help prevent cavities and improve your overall oral health. If you want to give your teeth that extra edge in the fight against cavities and periodontal disease, consider adding these foods to your diet.

What Foods Prevent Cavities?

1. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are a great source of calcium, as they restore minerals in your teeth and strengthen enamel. When considering yogurt as a snack, opt for plain yogurts rather than the ones sweetened with sugar, which work to weaken enamel and cause cavities. Cheeses are another beneficial snack for teeth as it helps to increase the pH in your mouth decreased by eating sugary snacks and citrus-based foods. Eating as little as 5 grams of cheese after a meal helps to increase the pH and counteract the detrimental acids lingering in your mouth.

2. Fruits and Vegetables

Apples keep your teeth healthy, which means fewer trips to the dentist. The crunchiness of apples, carrots, and other raw fruits and vegetables stimulate your gums and increases the flow of saliva. In addition to the helpful minerals your saliva contains, the increased volume of it helps to wash away food particles in your mouth. This pertains only to fresh fruits and vegetables because its crunchiness scrapes away food particles and plaque from your teeth. Cooked or canned vegetables and fruits juices won’t yield the same benefits.

3. Sugar-Free Candy

Candy is laden with sugars, which lead to tooth decay and should be eaten sparingly. Sugar-free candy, however, stimulates saliva production. Saliva contains minerals that help neutralize acids and ward off tooth decay. Choose candies and gums sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that inhibits the growth of bacteria in your mouth for extra cavity-fighting power. 

Are you looking for a skilled and compassionate dentist to help manage your oral health? The experienced and friendly professionals at BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, are committed to providing quality dental care for your entire family. From routine cleanings and exams to cosmetic dentistry, this team offers a wide range of services, which you can browse on their website. Call them at (907) 486-3257 to make an appointment.