The Best Foods For Your Teeth

To safeguard your teeth from decay and cavities, your primary defense mechanism is your tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp beneath it. Being the hardest substance in your body, your enamel is equipped to perform this job effectively. However, it cannot regenerate once it is lost due to the absence of living cells. Acid is the leading adversary of tooth enamel as it corrodes the enamel and weakens it, making it susceptible to decay. Given that tooth enamel guards the underlying layers from acids and plaque, safeguarding it is crucial to maintaining good oral health. It is recommended to limit the consumption of harmful substances and clean your teeth at least twice a day. Avoid soda, fruit juice, flavored water, sugary and starchy snacks, and citrus fruit.

But maintaining healthy tooth enamel is not only about what you avoid eating. Some foods can help strengthen tooth enamel. Calcium-rich foods, such as cheese, yogurt, fortified rice and soy milk, sardines, salmon, almonds, kale, broccoli, and spinach, are excellent choices for healthy teeth, as calcium aids in forming robust teeth and bones. Cheese helps balance your oral pH, lowering the acids that attack the enamel. Foods that contain vitamin D, like milk, salmon, margarine, soy and rice beverages, which are fortified, help your body absorb calcium. Your teeth also require phosphorus, which can be found in eggs, meat, and fish. Vitamin A, found in sweet potatoes, red peppers, mangoes, and kale, and beta-carotene, present in orange fruits and vegetables, are also beneficial. Magnesium-rich foods like bananas, whole grains, and spinach contribute to healthy tooth enamel.

Additionally, staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for maintaining healthy teeth. Water supports saliva flow and keeps your mouth free from debris. Good eating habits, combined with daily tooth brushing and flossing, and regular dental checkups and cleanings, can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. If you require a thorough dental cleaning and examination, our team in Edina, Minnesota is pleased to offer you quality care. Kindly contact us today to arrange an appointment.