Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? We are here at Dr. Bracker’s office. It’s such a great time for warm gatherings with family and friends. Of course, it’s also a time to share and enjoy festive foods and drinks. Therefore, we would like to share some tips with you on how to enjoy your Christmas parties and dinners while keeping your smile bright. Particularly, some foods more than others can stain your teeth. These foods you’ll want to avoid or keep in moderation to keep your smile white. The good news is that there are lots of foods that are not only yummy but will help promote the health of your teeth.
Foods To Keep In Moderation
Sugar
Sugar fuels bacterial growth. Without spoiling the fun in desserts consider replacing sugar with substitutes such as xylitol, erythritol or stevia. Avoid candies that stick to your teeth. Avoid soda drinks – which are often more loaded with sugar than treats or candy bars. Sparkling flavored waters are a great substitute.
Coffee and Tea
Both coffee and tea contain tannins which will stain teeth. However, teas such as green tea have antioxidants that are good for you. Therefore, to prevent staining, keep them in moderation to protect your teeth from staining. A tea you can drink as an alternative is Rooibos. This tea originated in South Africa but is becoming more popular in other parts of the world.
Fruits (that stain teeth)
Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and pomegranates. These fruits can heavily stain your teeth. On the other hand, they also have healthy qualities such as antioxidants and vitamin C. So I won’t say avoid them. But do keep them in moderation.
Wine
Like tea, wine also contains tannins which can stain your teeth.
Foods That Promote Your Oral Health
Foods Rich in Calcium and Phosphorus
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and contains the highest percentage of minerals. It is made up mostly of minerals, primarily hydroxyapatite, which is a crystalline calcium phosphate. Calcium helps your teeth by strengthening tooth enamel. Calcium needs phosphorus to maximize bone strengthening. Here are some suggestions for calcium and phosphorous:
Calcium: Green leafy vegetables, yogurt, cheese (hard, aged), seafood, milk (low-fat), tofu, almonds.
Phosphorus: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, fish, red meat, eggs, tofu
Foods rich in Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for your overall health. It helps your body absorb calcium which is vital for strong teeth. Foods high in Vitamin D: fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, spinach, kale, okra, collards, soybeans and white beans.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables
Foods with fiber stimulate saliva flow, which is a natural defense against cavities. Saliva helps wash away food particles. Also about 20 minutes after you eat something, saliva begins to neutralize the acids attacking your teeth. Here are some examples of high fiber fruits and vegetables:
Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, raspberries, strawberries, mangos, persimmons.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, broccoli, collard greens and swiss chard
To sum it up, there are lots of great foods you can have during the holidays. Go ahead and reach for the cheese, nut and fruit platters. Eat the foods that can stain your teeth in moderation, and rinse with clear water after eating or drinking any high-staining food.
All of the staff here at Dr. Susan Bracker’s Office want to wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a fantastic New Year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Bracker, D.D.S
Rochester, New York