Maintaining your oral health is about more than brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist every six months. It also concerns your eating and drinking habits. In the guide below, learn what foods and beverages dental health professionals do and do not recommend to keep your smile healthy and bright.

How Does What You Eat & Drink Impact Your Dental Health?

Worst Foods & Drinks

Mouth bacteria feeds on sugar, forming acids and plaque that irritate and inflame gum tissue and contribute to cavities. Anything made with white sugar is detrimental to your dental health since it coats teeth to create an ideal environment for tooth decay. Starchy foods and alcoholic drinks are just as damaging since they turn to sugar in the body.

Hard and sticky candies are among the worst offenders because they stick to teeth and subsequently promote decay. Even dried fruit is problematic due to its sticky nature and sugar content. Crunchy, starchy foods get stuck in between teeth and on tooth crevices as well to increase your risk of dental problems.

Staying mindful about citrus fruits and beverages also protects your oral health. While citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and other nutrients, their acid content wears away at enamel, the hard, protective outer layer that gives teeth their white color.

Once enamel wears away, it cannot be restored and increases tooth sensitivity. Therefore, drink water when you eat citrus fruits to protect your teeth.

Best Foods & Drinks

Dentists recommend a balanced diet full of nutrient-dense foods to maintain your dental and bodily health. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins. Some healthy foods serve as natural teeth cleaners that scrape plaque away, such as celery, apples, and carrots, while others, such as skim milk, provide calcium to keep teeth strong.

Also, drink plenty of water—at least one gallon per day—to flush food particles from your teeth and keep saliva production normal. Saliva not only helps rinse particles away, but it contains enzymes that impair acid activity. 

Discuss the best foods for your oral health at Stadler Dental Care, the dental practice serving Columbus, NE, and the surrounding areas since 2000. The American Dental Association member offers comprehensive dental care services for the whole family. Dr. Stadler also provides early Friday appointments for patient convenience. Call (402) 564-4093 today to schedule an appointment or visit them online for additional information on their offerings. Follow the dentist on Twitter to keep the dental care tips coming.