Have you ever been told that you’re eating too much sugar and that it can lead to cavities?

Now think back. Did you actually cut back on sugar after that lecture?

If your answer is ‘not really!’, don’t worry. Most people are exactly the same. This is strange because everyone knows the link between sugar in the diet and dental decay.

Yet we still eat sugar. But what if we told you that while you really should cut back on sugar, improving your oral health can also be achieved in other ways? At Comfort Dental Centre Buderim, we have a list of diet—related suggestions that can help you improve your dental health, even if you have a sweet tooth.

If you want healthy teeth you need to eat foods that strengthen teeth, gums, and general health. What you do put in your mouth is just as important as what you don’t.

So, what does a diet for healthy teeth look like? At Comfort Dental Centre Buderim we’ve compiled a series of tips to help you achieve a mouth-healthy diet.

Foods That Can Help Improve Dental Health

Proper nutrition means having a well-balanced diet that gives your body the nutrients it needs for good health and wellness. If your diet is deficient in the nutrients you need, your mouth may have a more difficult time resisting infection. This can contribute to periodontal disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease, researchers believe that it allows the disease to progress more rapidly and be more severe.

So, what should you eat? Here are just a few of the foods we recommend at Comfort Dental Centre Buderim. For more suggestions, feel free to contact us!

More Cheese, Please!
The phrase “say cheese” is usually a cue for us to smile for the camera, but saying cheese can also protect our teeth by protecting them from bacteria. The high calcium content and lactic acid found in cheese and other dairy products strengthen the enamel and prevent decay.

Even better, a 2013 study in the journal General Dentistry discovers cheese raised the pH of the mouth to nearly perfect, freshly-brushed levels in the mouths of participants who didn’t brush their teeth for 48 hours. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t brush, but the researchers concluded protein, calcium, and phosphorus in cheese helps promote anti-cavity properties.

A Plea for Tea!
Consider switching your coffee for tea. The brewed drink may improve your oral health.

Regularly drinking tea can protect against cavities, gum disease and bad breath, according to a 2016 study. It turns out that green tea may reduce oral bacteria, which, in turn, can improve the health of teeth and gums.

Drinking green tea may also lower your chance of developing oral cancer. We do offer one warning about tea, and that is to skip sugary sweeteners.

Vegetables are very good (So are fruits!).
Vegetables and fruits promote good dental health. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in these foods protect teeth and gums. Fruits and vegetables decrease tooth decay and promote oral health. They are good sources for Vitamin C, while some also contain iron and calcium. Fruits and vegetables are mostly composed of water, which creates an environment that retards bacterial growth.

Sugar-free gum
Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque, which are harmful to tooth enamel. Both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum stimulate ten times the normal rate of saliva flow. Not only does increased saliva flow neutralize acids in your mouth, it also washes away food particles, helping clean your teeth.

Meat
Meat lovers benefit from a number of health benefits of eating animal protein. Red meat is a great source of iron and vitamin B12, which are two other important nutrients our bodies need.

An iron or B12 deficiency can cause sores in the mouth and inflammation in the tongue.

Nuts
Nuts come packed with benefits for your teeth. They are laden with healthy elements like calcium and phosphorus. Almonds are particularly beneficial, as are Brazil nuts and cashews, which help to fight bacteria that lead to decay.

Water
Water is good for your teeth and general health!

Comfort Dental Centre Buderim Cares

Comfort Dental Centre Buderim provides expert care for healthy, beautiful smiles. Call our Buderim dental office to schedule an implantation consultation. We serve patients from Buderim and surrounding areas with top-notch dentistry. Our dental practice in Buderim provides the highest quality of dental care, in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, with a commitment to excellent customer service.

Call us on (07) 5370 8865 or book your appointment online today!