Much like the rest of the body, our teeth also need healthy foods to stay in good health. Avoid foods that are high in sugar such as candies and other sweet treats. These foods increase the risk of tooth decay.
Instead, choose nutritious foods for strong teeth and healthy gums such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
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The number of times we eat in a day also plays a factor with tooth decay. Sugar combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks the tooth enamel. Over time, repeated acid attacks weaken the tooth’s enamel, resulting in permanent damage, such as cavities.
Try to limit snacks to no more than three times per day and rinse your mouth each time to clear food off from your teeth. When snacking, choose healthier options like unsalted and unsweetened foods, dairy products such as cheese or yogurt, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
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What you drink is as important as what you eat. Drinking water is one of the easiest things you can do to help prevent cavities. Juice, soda, or sports drinks can leave unwanted sugar behind on your teeth. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away the tooth enamel, the outer shell of your teeth. Water, however, cleans your mouth with every sip. It washes away leftover food and sugar.
Stay well hydrated by drinking at least 10 cups (8 oz. cups) of water every day. Choose safe tap water over bottled water. Your tap water might contain a mineral called fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. Learn more about Community Water Fluoridation.
Milk contains calcium and vitamin D. These two nutrients help build and maintain strong bones and teeth. This is especially important for children. Other milk choices include soy milk or plant-based milk products such as almond milk, which are fortified with calcium.
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