Like brushing and flossing, your diet can have a serious impact on your oral health. Even if you’re diligent about visiting your dentist for regular exams and teeth cleanings, eating the wrong foods can cause numerous problems, including a higher risk of cavities. Here are a few options to avoid, along with some suggestions that can make your teeth stronger. 

Foods That Are Bad for Your Teeth

Your dentist probably warned you that sugar is a leading cause of cavities for both children and adults. Sugary treats like candy or soda increase oral bacteria. Soda is particularly damaging since the acids in it wear down the enamel, which weakens teeth. 

Citrus fruits, including lemons and oranges, as well as juices and drinks made from these fruits, can also damage teeth due to their high acid content.

Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth

Foods with a lot of calcium serve to strengthen tooth enamel from the inside out. Along with dairy products, such as milk and cheese, you should also eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, like spinach and kale. These foods are also high in fiber, which generates more saliva when chewing. Saliva is integral in preventing plaque and bacteria from clinging to teeth.

Certain foods also act as natural tooth scrubbers. For example, hard cheeses help scrub away surface stains and plaque while you chew. Apples have the same ability, which makes them an ideal snack after meals to replace sugary desserts or harmful candies. And instead of soda, drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and free of damaging acids. 

The dentists at Fielden Family Dentistry in High Point, NC, recommend bi-annual cleanings to keep your teeth bright and healthy. This full-service dentistry team provides care for the whole family. They also help their clients undo some of the damaging effects of bad food choices thanks to effective treatments like Zoom® whitening and dental crowns. See their full list of services by visiting the website. To schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, call (336) 889-2434 today.