Some foods are good for your teeth, and some foods are bad for your teeth. Follow these dentist-approved guidelines to eat your way to healthy teeth and gums.

You are what you eat—or at least, your smile is what you eat. To ensure healthier and brighter teeth, you should eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar, acid, and processed foods. Good oral health goes beyond brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. It’s an entire lifestyle. Follow these dentist-approved guidelines to eat your way to healthy teeth, gums, and body: 

Avoid foods high in acid and sugar

It’s time to cut out hard candies, sticky candies, and sticky dried foods—such as dried fruit, which sounds deceivingly healthy—from your diet, as they can stick to the nooks and crannies of your teeth even after routine brushing. You should also avoid sugary and acidic drinks like sports drinks and carbonated beverages. Anything that is high in acid and sugar is bad for your teeth and will demineralize and weaken your enamel, leading to cavities.

If you must consume any of these foods and drinks, be sure to brush and floss immediately afterward. Use a straw for the sodas, if you just can’t give them up. 

Eat foods high in calcium to strengthen teeth

Dairy is a great source of calcium to help strengthen your teeth. Calcium, which is a main component of hydroxyapatite (HA), can be supplemented with animal milk, such as cow’s or goat’s, or with cheeses and yogurt. At RiseWell, we use HA in our toothpaste because it can help remineralize any weakened areas of enamel. 

Stay hydrated and drink water

By drinking water, you flush food products off the enamel surface of your teeth, greatly improving your chances of not developing more cavities. Have a glass of water ready at all times to remind yourself to stay hydrated—and keep your mouth cleaner. You could even switch over to flavored seltzer water to help wean off of the sugary sodas that are bad for your teeth. Your skin will look better, you’ll feel more energetic, and your teeth will be healthier.

Foods high in fiber are good for your teeth

Seeds, nuts, leafy greens, and vegetables, in general, are high in fiber, which means it takes much more effort to chew these foods. This chewing action actually scrubs your teeth, helping remove any sticky products that may have stubbornly remained.

At RiseWell, we believe—and know—that oral health starts with holistic health. Make healthy choices in every aspect of your life, and you’ll notice positive results in your body. The first easy choice you can make is switching over to all-natural fluoride-free toothpaste. Your dentist will notice, too.

About Dr. Derek

He is not only Co-Founder of RiseWell. Dr. Derek Gatta is the owner of Innovative Dental Aesthetics in Boca Raton, Florida. If you are in the area, he is your go-to dentist!