In the world of dentistry, we talk a lot about the things—foods and drinks—that are bad for your smile. You probably already know that sugary snacks can lead to cavities and oral infections, but you may not know that there are certain foods and drinks that can actually help your smile!
Our Tinley Park dentists are here to tell you more about the types of consumables that support oral health. Keep reading to get more information…
When thinking about your beverage options, keep in mind that water is the number one choice to promote oral health. Water helps to dislodge dental debris and accumulated plaque. Additionally, when you drink water, you boost your body’s ability to produce saliva; saliva is important for neutralizing oral bacteria as well as re-mineralizing dental enamel.
Crunchy vegetables also make great snacks when hunger hits during the day. Obviously, these veggies are good for your whole-body health. Additionally, vegetables like celery and carrots contain a lot of water; they help you stay hydrated and motivate saliva production. On top of that, the physical act of chomping on water-rich veggies scrapes plaque from your dental surfaces.
There are a few foods that can help neutralize oral bacteria and refresh your mouth:
Garlic: the same thing that make garlic astringent and a little stinky, also gives garlic antibacterial properties; this is called Allicin.
Green tea: green tea helps you stay hydrated, which is good for your overall health as well as your smile. Additionally, green tea includes catechins, which kill bacteria and help to neutralize dental plaque.
Apples: applies are high in water content, so they refresh your smile and promote saliva production. Plus, applies are high in fiber!
Our Orland Park dentists are happy to give you more information about how you can make healthy decisions for your smile every day. Call our team to schedule a consultation!