Nutrition has an effect on your dental health, but your dental health also has an effect on your nutrition. Teeth play an important role in your body for chewing properly and enjoying foods. Keep your teeth healthy so they can do their job of tearing, cutting, and grinding food in preparation for swallowing. On the flip side, eat foods that promote healthy teeth and gums.
Foods for optimal strong teeth include:
- Calcium-rich foods such as low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and fortified soymilk.
- Phosphorus is a mineral found in eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts and beans.
- Vitamin C from citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, potatoes and spinach help keep gums healthy.
Foods that negatively impact teeth and lead to cavities are anything that is a starch or carbohydrate. Bacteria loves carbohydrates, like candy, potato chips, crackers, bread, and pasta. The bacteria produces acid and causes tooth decay. It is important to brush and floss right after eating candy and other sweets.