EATING AND DRINKING HABITS THAT WILL HELP YOUR DENTAL CARE

Eating and drinking habits that will help your dental care

We are what we eat and drink. To ensure you have a healthy mouth, make sure to choose the most appropriate foods and drinks.

Limit sugars, processed foods and starches to mealtimes, and avoid having snacks and drinks between meals. The constant interaction between bacteria and sugar produces acid attacking your enamel.

Choose snacks such as cheese, natural yoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, dry biscuits, nuts and wholegrain bread. Cheese, for example, causes your salivary gland to produce more saliva, which neutralizes acid.

Crunchy fruit and veggies: like apples, pears, celery, and carrots - wipe away bacteria and, as they require a lot of chewing, increase the production of bacteria-neutralizing saliva.

Chew sugar-free gum for up to 20 minutes after a meal to stimulate saliva flow and help protect teeth from decay.

Eat two to four servings of dairy per day: when a diet is low in calcium, the body leeches the mineral from teeth and bones, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Calcium is found in dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt; in fish, including sardines with bones and salmon; and in some vegetables, including kale and broccoli.

Eat one piece of citrus fruit: (oranges, grapefruits, tangerines or a kiwi) daily to get some vitamin C. The body needs it to repair connective tissue and help the body fight off infection.

Drink plenty of water: it helps rinse away both bacteria and remnants of food and promotes the healthful action of saliva. Tap water is better because it contains fluoride.

Did you know?

You should wait at least an hour before brushing or flossing after drinking acidic beverages (like soda, sports drinks and juices), to allow your saliva enough time to ‘remineralise' your teeth.