Did you know that what you eat impacts the health of your teeth and gums? Learn more from your St. Louis dentists!

It obviously goes without saying that what you eat affects your overall health. Processed foods and foods high in sugar can cause some serious problems down the road. Of course, what you eat can also affect the health of your smile. If you want to stave off decay and gum disease, our St. Louis, MO, dentists, Drs. Jeffrey and Jodi Johnson, offer up a list of foods that are great for your oral health.

You’ve probably heard this since at least elementary school, but milk is meant to build strong bones because of the calcium that it contains. Calcium is not only great for the development of a strong jawbone but also teeth. Having the proper amount of calcium in your diet can protect your smile from decay and prevent bone loss. If milk isn’t really a favorite, you can also find calcium from other dairy products like cheese and yogurt. If you are lactose intolerant, don’t worry. Collard greens, broccoli, kale, edamame and figs are just some of the dairy-free options that can still help you get the calcium you need.

Your diet should also have a generous helping of crisp, crunchy fruits and vegetables, as they offer an array of benefits. Besides the obvious nutrients they offer, apples, celery and carrots can help to remove and dislodge bacteria and plaque from your teeth. Also, just the act of chewing these crunchy foods stimulates salivary production, which also aids in removing bacteria from your teeth to keep your smile healthier and cleaner.

Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for repairing tissues and wounds, as well as fighting off infection. Not having enough vitamin C in your diet can cause bleeding gums and even leave you more susceptible to developing gum disease. Oranges, red peppers, sweet potatoes and carrots are some of the foods that are high in Vitamin C. Rather than opting for fruit juices, which often contain a lot of added sugar, go with natural fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of Vitamin C.

We know that it’s a challenge but it’s important to stay away from sugary treats and refined carbs as much as possible. White bread, gummy or hard candies, cakes and pies, and sodas are loaded with sugar, which can increase your chances of decay and gum disease. If you do consume sugar it’s always a good idea to brush your teeth immediately after to reduce the amount of plaque.

Do you have questions about your diet and how it affects your smile? Do you need to schedule your six-month cleaning? If so, then it’s time you called our St. Louis, MO, family dental practice today. What are you waiting for?