Eat Better, Beat plaque

You've heard over and over about the basics of maintain good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, floss daily, visit your dentist twice a year and stay on top of orthodontic appointments. However, in between in order to keep your mouth healthy you must eat foods that help main oral health.

When you eat foods that are not good for your teeth, like sugary foods, you are aiding the production of bacteria formally known as plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. The bacteria in plaque cause tooth decay and gum disease if they are not removed regularly through brushing and flossing.

Here are some healthy foods and drinks to add to your diet to protect your teeth.

Dairy products: cheese, milk, yogurt
The calcium in dairy products helps put back minerals your teeth may have lost due to other foods.

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables:
These foods stimulate saliva flow which is the best defense your teeth has against cavities and gum disease.

Black and Green Tea:
Both teas contain polyphenols which can suppress or kill bacteria that could attack the teeth.

Foods with fluoride:
This includes drinking water and products you prepare with water like powder sugar-free juices. Commercial prepared poultry, seafood and cereal provide fluoride nutrients as well.

Remember maintaining you’re oral hygiene habits helps you keep a healthy mouth. Brushing and flossing regularly removes plaque from your teeth. Having a clean mouth is important. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. For our oral hygiene tip click here!