Foods that are Good for Your Teeth
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables – Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, raw carrots and celery help to clear plaque bacteria and food debris away from your teeth, which reduces the risk for cavities and keeping your gums healthy. These types of foods have a cleansing action while you are chewing them that can clear away food debris.
Cheese – Cheese is good for your teeth! This is due to the pH level of cheese, which can counteract acids in your mouth because it is slightly more basic on a pH scale. It is a good idea to eat a small piece of cheese if you have eaten unusually acidic and sweet foods such as soda and candy. The cheese will help the pH of your saliva return to a normal level.
Water – Water is excellent for your teeth and body, of course. Water helps to flush out plaque bacteria and food debris from your mouth and keeps your salivary glands functioning properly. If you aren’t near your toothbrush/toothpaste during the day, try rinsing your mouth with water after consumption of anything acidic or sweet to help remove harmful acids and sugars in your mouth.
Foods that are Bad for Your Teeth
Soda – Soda is terrible for your teeth not just because it contains sugar, but also because it is acidic. Soda changes your mouth’s pH to a more acidic state, which can damage your teeth and lead to cavities. If you are going to drink pop or soda, do it infrequently, get sugar free soda, and rinse your mouth with water after.
Candies – Candies are bad for your teeth because they contain high amounts of sugar, and they get stuck in the biting surfaces of your teeth. Any candy that is gummy, sticky or chewy will get stuck in your molars and exposure your teeth to sugars for longer.
Citrus – Although citrus fruits are good for you, they can be bad for your teeth if eaten frequently. Citrus fruits are highly acidic and can lead to acid erosion and possible cavities on your teeth. Again, try to rinse your mouth with water after eating citrus fruits.
Ice cubes – Ice cubes are dangerous to bite on because they can cause chips and fractures to your teeth. Do not bite or chew on ice cubes.