19 Feb Dentist Approved Foods
Patients often wonder which foods in their diet will positively or negatively affect their teeth. With an almost endless number of unhealthy snack choices available, it may be difficult to identify snacks that won’t harm teeth. Fortunately, our staff are available to help Prescott Dentistry patients find the best snacks for their health, and for their teeth and gums. Please look at our list of dentist approved foods below.
Almonds: Almonds are an excellent snack! Take a quarter cup of these hearty, brown treats along with you to work, or on a hike. Almonds are extremely low in sugar but offer calcium and protein, both of which are needed to keep our bodies healthy. The calcium in almonds is also great for helping our teeth and bones stay strong!
Carrots, Celery and Apples: All three of these foods are quality snacks. Carrots, celery, and apples are all fibrous and help to gently clean away anything stuck on or in between your teeth. They’re all equally high in the vitamins necessary for keeping our teeth and gums healthy, as well as boosting our immune systems during cold and flu season—two more reasons to reach for them when you need a quick snack.
Yogurt: Many plain yogurts are a great source of protein and calcium, both of which are necessary for healthy bodies and teeth. Yogurt also contains probiotics that are good for digestion and for fighting off bad bacteria. But stay away from flavored yogurts that are high in sugar. If you don’t like the taste of plain yogurt on its own, try adding a piece of fruit for a healthy dose of natural sugar.
This short list of nut, fruit, and yogurt snack options is only an introduction to the possibilities available for eating healthier snacks. Many foods on today’s supermarket shelves are overly processed and contain added, unhealthy sugars, like corn syrup. And since the main enemy of your teeth is sugar, by avoiding foods high in sugar and eating natural snacks high in calcium and vitamins, you’ll go far in staying healthy with strong bones, teeth, and gums. Prescott Dentistry want to see you choose well and eat well. If you have any questions about your diet and its effects on your teeth, feel free to contact us today!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/1/2017) Aaron Molina (Flickr)