You probably know that a visit to the dentist regularly will help keep your mouth healthy. As part of the Studentcare Dental Network, we know that students often need to visit the dentist with treatment for a number of reasons. Student life is incredibly busy, and there does not seem to be enough time to do everything, especially to find the time to eat healthy. However, taking care of your teeth and health should be a priority. We want to help you learn more about how dental emergencies can be avoided by maintaining a tooth-healthy diet.

Strengthen Those Teeth

According to the University of Illinois Chicago, calcium rich foods, such as cheese, yogurt and low-fat or fat-free milk are great for teeth and gums. Casein, a protein in these foods, adds strength to the enamel. Cheese, in fact, is high in calcium, which is necessary for bone density. Packed with probiotics and calcium, yogurt may help prevent gum problems, cavities and even bad breath, in some cases.

Drinking Water Helps

Water with fluoride will improve your dental health. Fluoride has been shown to prevent cavities. Moreover, water helps to wash away bacteria in your mouth. These cavity-loving bacteria thrive if not washed away. The sugar in your mouth is their favorite snack, so diluting it with water can help wash it away, as well as the acids produced. On the other hand, juices, sports drinks and soda may leave even more unwanted sugar behind. Dry mouth may put you at risk for tooth decay, adding to your saliva, which is the first defense against tooth decay. Saliva helps wash away leftover food, so it does not lurk in your teeth. Drinking water ensures your saliva does not run low. And the best thing about water is that it has no calories! It also is a great substitute for sugary drinks, colas and sports drinks.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Vegetables that require crunching are good for your teeth. The chewing cleans the surface of the teeth and strengthens the flow of saliva. Additionally they are packed with minerals and vitamins. Celery and carrots make great snacks; carrots are packed with vitamin C, keratins and calcium. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but will it keep the dentist away too? Maybe, but it will help, because it is fibrous and increases the salivation. Fresh apples, rather than apple juice, have the most benefits. The fiber helps to stimulate the gums reducing the likelihood of cavity producing bacteria, while increasing the flow of saliva.

Other Tooth-Healthy Foods

The following foods are winners in the great smile game; they include:

• Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and lettuce
• Pears
• Nuts
• Fresh cranberries and raisins
• Meat, tofu and fatty fish

There are many more, including tea and coffee. Keeping your teeth healthy requires regular dental appointments as well as a tooth-healthy diet. Schedule an exam and cleaning and be on the way to great dental health. We accept dental insurance Toronto, so it’s easy to take care of teeth health.