You brush twice a day, you floss, and you visit our Alexandria, VA dentist office regularly for professional dental cleanings. But you still have some oral health concerns. What else can you do to help maintain your beautiful and healthy smile? The answer may be in what you eat. Certain foods are worse than others, and some are altogether bad for your oral health.
Dr. Mojgan Mazhari offers some tips on which foods to eat more of, and what to avoid.
Foods & Beverages to Avoid
- Coffee & Tea- Coffee and tea have tooth staining properties. Avid drinkers may find that the beverages stain their teeth. Using a to-go lid can help to keep the liquid from coming in direct contact with your teeth to minimize staining.
- Wine- Both red and white wine can cause damage to your teeth. Red wine can stain your teeth. Recent studies show that white wine may exacerbate stains due to the pockets it can create in your enamel from the high acid levels.
- Citrus- These highly acidic fruits can cause damage to your enamel. Though full of nutrients, citrus is best eaten in moderation.
Foods To Eat More of For Healthy Teeth
- Onions & Garlic: They may not be the best for your breath, but raw onions and garlic are both good for the health of your gums and teeth. Onions and garlic have antibacterial properties that help fight off agents that cause cavities and gum disease.
- Yogurt, Cheese, Milk: Good news for cheese connoisseurs, dairy products are great for your teeth. Full of calcium and low acid levels, dairy products can help to strengthen your teeth and bones.
- Fibrous Vegetables: Good for your body, and your mouth! Vegetables high in fiber help naturally clean plaque off your teeth. Foods like spinach, kale, and celery help keep your teeth clean and strong.
A balanced and healthy diet is essential for lifelong oral health. Eating well can also help manage weight, diabetes and other systemic health concerns linked here. As with all things, moderation is key. You can have a piece of chocolate, but make sure to brush your teeth afterward. Visiting Dr. Mazhari at least twice a year can help keep your oral health in check v3ogtvn. Catching signs of any decay or disease early can help prevent advanced dental health concerns and allow for conservative dental care.
Schedule An Appointment
Schedule an appointment at our Alexandria dentist office. Our compassionate and skilled team can help you regain your confidence in your smile. A healthy, functional and beautiful smile can help improve the quality of your life.