What Makes Food Mouth-Healthy?

Proper oral healthcare is important for a person’s overall wellbeing, and a healthy diet plays BIG role in oral health. When trying to eat mouth-healthy food, there’s a few things to look at when considering which food is best for your teeth. 

Fiber Content 

Fiber is an excellent nutrient for mouth-health, and supports a healthy digestive system. Fibrous fruits and vegetables actually scrub teeth as they are being consumed, which helps remove bad mouth bacteria that lead to cavities and tooth decay. When eating fibrous fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them thoroughly and leave the skin on – which is a huge source of fiber. Good natural sources of fiber are: apples, kiwi, berries, bananas, carrots and celery.

Amount of Water 

Water plays a vital role in mouthhealth by stimulating saliva production. Saliva naturally cleans teeth of food debris and damaging acids that attack enamel and cause cavities. Saliva also keeps the mouth’s ph level balanced and healthy.  

When buying mouth-healthy food, it’s important to consider the amount of water in the product. Watermelon, bell pepper, celery and strawberries all contain a healthy amount of water, but that shouldn’t keep you from drinking water. The average person should consume around 64 ounces of water per day, which is around 8 large glasses.

Consistency 

The texture and consistency of food contributes to its overall effect on your teeth and oral health. In fact, starchy foods like potato chips, crackers and bread can harm your teeth by sticking to the tooth’s surface, and feeding harmful bacteria that lead to tooth decay and cavities. If you do decide to eat bread, or any other starch, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water to remove any sticky starch debris left behind.

Nutritional Value 

The nutritional make-up of mouth-healthy foods can really take your oral health to the next level. When purchasing food for mouth-health, look for foods that contain mouth-healthy vitamins and nutrients that support overall oral health. Vitamin A is essential for saliva production, and is found in oranges, carrots, kale and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C supports gum health and promotes healthy oral tissue. You can find natural sources of Vitamin A in oranges, broccoli, kale and berries.

A Healthy Diet Encourages a Healthy Mouth 

A healthy diet is a fantastic tool to help prevent cavities, and it promotes a healthy mouth and overall bodily wellbeing. If you’re concerned about your child’s diet, then visit our office. We’ll give you dietary tips that promote a healthy mouth, and help your children earn the healthy smile that they deserve.