Eat healthy between your regularly scheduled visits to our office! Here are some foods you can eat between trips that are not only healthy but can brighten your smile too.
Lactic Acid found in cheese can protect your enamel.
A natural way to protect your enamel against erosion is to eat cheeses high in lactic acid. This acid neutralizes bad acid, stimulates saliva production, and strengthens teeth with calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Cheeses high in lactic acid are softer cheeses like cream cheese, cheddar, Colby, and cottage cheese
Malic acid in apples and strawberries can eliminate tooth stains.
Apples
Malic acid is found in apples and is produced naturally in the body when carbohydrates are converted into energy. The malic acid in apples increases saliva, which cleans your teeth and helps remove stains, according to a 2013 study conducted at the University of Grenada in Spain.
Strawberries
Like apples, strawberries also are high in malic acid and can help eliminate surface stains on your teeth and brighten your enamel.
Beta-carotene found in fruits and vegetables protects your teeth.
Your body converts veggies rich in beta carotene into vitamin A, which helps protect your teeth. You can also find beta-carotene in leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, or in orange-colored fruits like cantaloupe, carrots, and sweet potatoes. As a bonus, fibrous vegetables like green beans and cauliflower can stimulate the production of saliva, which can protect against bacteria and lead to better oral health.Â
Water
Drinking water can prevent tooth staining and can protect against the excess buildup of sugars and acids. Fluoridated tap water can strengthen teeth and help prevent cavities. Without water, your body can’t perform basic and complex metabolic processes and it increases the risk of disease, infection, and dehydration.
Allowing our office to professionally care for your oral health is incredibly important. However, don’t forget that certain natural foods and water can have a positive impact on your overall health between your visits.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us at 312-943-6444 or contact us online.
