Snacks for healthy smiles

Everyone knows brushing and flossing your teeth is important to keep them clean and free of plaque. But did you know that what you eat between brushing can be just as important to the health of your teeth?

When we eat foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy, bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva then combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in the plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

The good news is that there are foods that actually fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen enamel and freshen breath.

Apples, also known as nature’s toothbrush, can stimulate the gums, increase saliva flow and reduce the buildup of cavity causing plaque. They are also loaded with fifteen vitamins and over ten minerals that the body needs.

Celery and Carrots protect the teeth in two ways. They require extra chewing which produces more saliva that neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria. Also, chewing naturally abrasive foods massages the gums and cleans between the teeth.

Cheese is a great source of calcium which is an essential nutrient for the development of bones and teeth. Eating cheese results in a coating of calcium on the teeth that protects against cavities.

Green Tea contains anti-oxidants called catechins that kill the bacteria in your mouth that turn sugar into plaque.

Kiwi fruits, for their size, pack more vitamin C than any other fruit. In fact, one large kiwi supplies more than 100 percent of your recommended daily amount. Research has shown that if you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums can break down, making your gums tender and more susceptible to the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

Strawberries are another great source of vitamin C.

Water. Drinking water keeps your gums hydrated and is the best way to stimulate saliva; your body’s greatest defense against the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water also helps wash away trapped food particles that decompose in the mouth and cause bad breath.

Milk is a great source of calcium which helps protect your teeth against periodontal (gum) disease and keeps your jaw bone strong and healthy.

Lean Protein such as eggs, poultry and lean beef are rich in phosphorous, a mineral critical to maintaining strong tooth enamel. In addition, phosphorous helps balance pH levels in the mouth, discouraging the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.