The Holiday season is often synonymous with eating. It can be difficult to make good food choices. Here are our tips for choosing the best foods for your teeth from amongst the many tempting items on the dinner table:
- Vitamins: Green vegetables provide a good supply of vitamins. They are neither sweet nor acidic. They also counteract the excess of sugary or carbonated drinks that harm the enamel. Crucifers, such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, are especially abundant in vitamin C, which also protects gum health.
- Saliva: Long live the dip! Crunchy vegetables, including carrots, radishes and peppers, force you to chew, producing saliva that neutralizes the acids in the mouth. Chewing also helps dislodge food from your teeth.
- Fluoride: Did you know that fish and legumes, like chickpeas, dried beans, etc., naturally contain fluoride? Remember to cook and serve them more often; fluoride helps prevent cavities.
- Calcium: Calcium helps to remineralize tooth enamel. Instead of sugary desserts, finish your meal with nuts or cheeses (like Emmental cheese) that contain a good amount of calcium.
- Tannins: Dark chocolate is always a winner for dessert. It’s rich in tannins, which help reduce acidity and fight certain bacteria in the mouth.
