When it comes to nutrition and oral health, you’ve probably heard a lot over the years about staying away from sweets because sugar can cause tooth decay and cavities. But we don’t often hear much more beyond that. The truth is that what you eat has a huge impact on not only your overall health, but specifically on the health of your teeth and gums.
That’s why our team at Cosmetic Dental Associates offers nutritional counseling for our patients. We want you to have a beautiful smile, and we know it starts with a healthy one. If you’d like to learn more about how nutrition can affect your oral health, call our San Antonio dental office today to set up an appointment for nutritional counseling.
In the meantime, keep reading to find out some of the best foods you can start incorporating into your diet today for a healthier mouth.

Apples – Nature’s Toothbrush!

There’s a reason apples are considered nature’s toothbrush. You shouldn’t take this alternate name too literally, of course. In other words, nothing can substitute actual brushing and flossing each day to keep your mouth clean and healthy. So it’s important to keep up that routine. But when it comes to what you eat throughout the day, apples are an excellent way to encourage a clean mouth. They’re great tasting, packed with fiber and other nutrients, and their texture helps wash away the debris left behind on your teeth after meals. Grab an apple on your way out the door and enjoy it as a midday snack for cleaner teeth!

Yummy Yogurt!

The calcium found in yogurt is like a personal trainer for your oral health. It helps strengthen your teeth and jawbone so you can protect yourself against dental health problems like gum disease, erosion, and tooth decay. Yogurt is also a great source for probiotics, which promotes gut health. Your mouth if full of bacteria, some good and some bad. The good bacteria in yogurt helps keep the bad bacteria in your mouth at bay for a healthier smile.
Choose an all natural yogurt that’s low in sugar, and add your favorite fruit and granola for a protein packed, calcium-rich snack.

Say Cheese!

Ever wonder why they tell you to say cheese when you get your picture taken? Maybe it’s because cheese is so good for your smile! Adding cheese to your diet, whether it’s melted on a lean burger or cut up and put on your fruit plate, not only enhances the flavor of your favorite meals and snacks, but it’s full of the calcium and protein your teeth, gums, and bones need to stay strong and healthy. Be sure to stay away from processed cheeses, though. You really need actual cheese made from milk to get the nutritional benefits that strengthen your teeth.

Crunch on Celery!

Any time you eat celery, you’re doing your oral health a favor. For one thing, celery becomes stringy when your teeth break it apart. If apples are nature’s toothbrush, then perhaps the strings of celery work like nature’s dental floss, helping clear away food particles that can get stuck between your teeth. The crunchy texture of celery also helps encourage saliva production, which is the body’s natural way of washing away debris your meals leave behind. Eat celery along with natural cheese or peanut butter.

Go Nutty With Almonds!

Speaking of nuts, almonds are a wonderful, mouth healthy snack. Just like dairy products, almonds contain calcium and protein to help strengthen teeth. This is especially good news for anyone who prefers a vegan diet or for people who are lactose intolerant. Add almond slivers to your salad for some added protein and crunch.
Make An Appointment For Nutritional Counseling
Remember that a nutritious diet is only part of the equation for a healthy smile. You also need to schedule routine dental cleanings and exams with our experienced team at Cosmetic Dental Associates. At your checkup, we can talk more about our nutritional counseling so you can make the best dietary decisions for you and your family’s smiles.
Give us a call today at 210-951-4444 (Medical Center) 210-942-5047 (Alamo Ranch) or fill out our online form to schedule yournutritional counseling session!