How to Feed Your Teeth

healthy teeth dental care in New Bern North Carolina

Most people know that good nutrition is important to having a healthy body, but did you know that the foods you eat can actually benefit your teeth too? Our teeth require nutrients to nourish them and keep them strong and healthy, just like the rest of our bones.

Eating these nutritious foods will promote a healthy and bright smile while also benefiting your the rest of your body. Plus: they’re delicious, too! Dr. J. Stephen Hoard, a dentist in New Bern, NC, recommends you try these tooth-enamel building snacks.

Cheese

Cheese, like most dairy products, is rich in calcium, which promotes healthy, strong bones. In addition, our bodies also use calcium to help rebuild our tooth enamel as well. And because our bodies can’t produce their own calcium (we only get it through eating it and our bodies use it quickly), snacking on cheese is a great way to make sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet.

Fish

Even if you eat plenty of cheese and drink plenty of milk to get your calcium in your diet every day, your body is not able to absorb it without Vitamin D. Eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as tuna and salmon, aides your body in utilizing calcium to build up those strong teeth and bones. Another excellent source of vitamin D is one that is also free and readily abundant: the sun! Going out in the sunshine will do wonders for your skin, hair, nails, teeth, and more!

Apples

Eating too many carbohydrates, starches, and sugary foods can erode enamel due to acids that the bacteria in our mouths produce when they digest them.  These acids eat away at our enamel when they finish with the residue of sugary and starchy food. To satisfy your sweet tooth instead, pick up an apple. Apples are rich in vitamin C and help reduce inflammation, which benefits patients suffering from inflamed gums and gum disease. Other vitamin C rich foods that are great to snack on include broccoli, oranges, and green peppers.

Oatmeal

Whole grains that are found in some oatmeals help lower the risk of gum disease while also improving heart health. Having oatmeal in the morning, as part of a healthy diet, can promote healthy gums as well. However, be warned that most pre-packaged flavored oatmeals are loaded with sugar which feeds oral bacteria that destroy enamel. To limit the sugar in your oatmeal, try making your own plain oats and add in some berries.  You can also add in cinnamon to make your oatmeal breakfast sweeter.

Routine Dental Care in New Bern, NC

Eating these tasty, healthy snacks can not only benefit your dental health, but your entire body as well. You should also have your teeth examined regularly as part of your dental health routine. Dr. J. Stephen Hoard is available to patients in New Bern, NC to help you with all your dental and oral health concerns. Schedule a consultation online today or call (252) 507-0373!