By TNT Dental

If you’re like most people, your tastebuds determine what goes on your plate. After all, who wants their meals to be jam-packed with foods they can barely tolerate? Of course, other factors need to be considered as well. In addition to taking the nutrients and vitamins your body needs into account, you should also think about what’s best for your oral health. With this in mind, keep reading to learn a few of the “best” and “worst” foods for your smile.

The “Best” Foods for Your Smile

When it comes to your oral health, here are some of the “best” things to fill your plate with:

• Fluoride-rich foods – Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s in toothpaste, mouthwash, and even the public water supply – it’s that important for your teeth! Fortunately, there are several foods that contain it as well, including seafood, carrots, beets, and canned tomato products.

• Crunchy fruits and vegetables – Apples, carrots, and celery are a few items that are both packed with nutrients and able to scrape away leftover food particles on your teeth.

• Dairy products – Products that are high in calcium, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, promote saliva production and help your teeth stay strong. If you’re lactose-intolerant, try protein-fortified almond, soy, cashew, or oak milk instead!

• Leafy greens – The calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins found in leafy greens make them a win for your teeth! Kale, spinach, collard greens, and chard are some delicious and smile-friendly options to consider.

The “Worst” Foods for Your Smile

Although delicious, there are a few things you should avoid for the sake of your oral health, including:

• Sour candies – While tasty, these treats are often packed with sugar and can cling to your teeth for hours on end. As a result, they make the “worst” food list. If you’re feeling like something sweet, try dark chocolate or a sugar-free alternative instead!

• Potato chips – In addition to being loaded with starch and sugar, this snack can easily get trapped between your teeth and even has the potential to chip them.

• Sugary drinks – Soda isn’t the only thing that makes this list; sports drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices do too. Since frequent consumption increases your risk of cavities, it’s best to stick to water.

• Citrus fruits – Although oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C, their acidic nature can erode your enamel. Even putting them in your water can have the same effect, so make sure to use a straw if you do! Of course, being mindful about how your diet impacts your oral health is an important first step. To keep your smile in pristine condition, it’s important to implement other best practices, like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. With these habits in place, you should have a healthy, happy smile for years to come!