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You’re probably well aware of all the foods you should be avoiding to support healthy teeth. We typically learn early in our lives that sugary foods and drinks like candy and soda are big no-no when it comes to caring for your oral health. This is true, but too often we overlook the various tasty foods that are actually beneficial to your pearly whites. In addition to your regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing daily, you can add a number of delicious foods into your diet (if you aren’t consuming them already) to take your dental health to the next level.

Count on Calcium

When you think of calcium, you probably associate it with the ability to build healthy, strong bones. This powerhouse mineral also reinforces the outer structure of your teeth and promotes a healthy jaw bone. Calcium works by strengthening your tooth’s enamel, the protective covering that defends your teeth against bacteria that can cause erosion or cavities. Some of the best calcium-rich foods include:

• Low-fat Milk, Cheese or Yogurt
• Soy Milk or Tofu
• Salmon
• Almonds

Phosphorus, Calcium’s Best Friend

Even if you’re consuming a good amount of calcium in your diet, there’s a chance that all of those benefits could be going to waste. Phosphorus is a key nutrient that helps your body properly absorb things like calcium and vitamin D. Without it, those important minerals could be getting flushed from your system completely. To put it simply, phosphorus is calcium’s best friend. A few foods that are rich in phosphorus include:

• Eggs
• Lean Meats
• Fish
• Nuts
• Beans

Sweet Vitamin C

The hard structures surrounding your teeth like enamel and your jaw bone aren’t the only area in need of support. Vitamin C is essential for caring for your gums and other connective soft tissues in your mouth. This vitamin strengthens these spaces and helps fight off gum diseases like gingivitis. One word of caution, excess amounts of vitamin C have also been linked to enamel erosion due to its acidic nature. Try a healthy amount of these foods to get extra vitamin C in your diet:

• Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits and other Citrus Fruits
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Broccoli
• Spinach

Make Time for Tea

You may want to consider making tea time a regular part of your day. A study performed in 2016 showcased that green tea can provide many benefits to your oral health. Green tea contains fluoride, a mineral used in dental hygiene products that contributes to building strong tooth enamel. Additionally, green tea consists of tiny micronutrients called polyphenols which can kill bad bacteria and even provide fresher breath!

Conclusion

If you feel like you’re doing all of the right things in your oral care routine, but still ending up with cavities, tooth sensitivity or other unsightly issues, it might be time to evaluate your diet and see what tooth loving foods you could be missing out on. Sometimes, a simple food swap can go a long way.

Dr. Julie Liberman DDS of Great Neck Dental Care NY proudly serves patients of all ages in the Great Neck area, spanning New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Douglaston, Jericho, Roslyn, etc. Book your checkup today to determine if bruxism is affecting your oral hygiene.