What you eat can affect your gums and teeth. If you eat foods that are filled with sugar and starches, then you can increase your risk of gum disease and cavities. There are also foods that can help fight tooth decay. The following is a list of foods that should be included and excluded from your diet.

Best Foods for Your Mouth

Fruits And Vegetables That Are High in Fiber

The American Dental Association recommends that you eat foods that are high in fiber. They can help you maintain a clean mouth. Foods that are fibrous naturally clean your mouth by keeping the saliva flowing. The saliva helps neutralize the acids that trigger tooth decay. Your saliva has a small amount of phosphate and calcium.

Bacterial acids can cause your teeth to lose calcium and phosphate. Fibrous fruits and vegetables can help re-mineralize your teeth.

Dairy Products

Dairy products like cheese can stimulate saliva production. They are also high in phosphate and calcium. You can rebuild your enamel by eating dairy products.

Black And Green Teas

Both black tea and green tea have antioxidants in them that are known as polyphenols. These polyphenols can destroy bacteria. If you brew your tea with fluoridated water, then you can help your teeth even more.

Sugarless Chewing Gum

Sugar-containing gum can make you more susceptible to developing tooth decay. That is why if you love chewing gum, then you need to chew sugarless gum. Sugarless gum can help stimulate saliva production.

Fluoridated Foods

Most people know that many places have water with fluorine in it. There are also foods that have fluorine in it. There are dehydrated soups and powdered juices that have fluorine in it. Other foods that have fluorine in it include seafood, poultry products and powdered cereals.

The Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Sweets And Sticky Candies

Any type of sugary, sweet food that you eat can be bad for your teeth. However, the worst ones to eat are the ones that linger on your teeth for long periods of time. This includes cough drops, caramel and lollipops.

You may have heard that chocolate is good for your teeth. There are have been studies done to support this, but most of these studies have been done by the candy industry. However, it is easier to remove chocolate from your teeth than other types of candy. If you like chocolate, then it is best for you to choose the kind that is made up of 70 percent cocoa.

Starchy Foods

Starchy foods are not good for your mouth because they tend to stick to your teeth. This includes potato chips and bread.

Carbonated Drinks

If you sip on sodas and carbonated drinks all day, then your chances of having tooth decay will be greater. Carbonated beverages are filled with sugar. They can also strip away your enamel.

Drying Substances

Dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay. That is why you need to avoid foods that can dry out your mouth. If you take a medication that dries out your mouth, then you should consult with your physician. You can also ask your dentist if a fluoride gel or fluoride rinse will be right for you.

How to Eat to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

In addition to eating healthy, you can take the following

• If you choose to eat something sugary, then you should eat it with your regular meals. This will reduce the effects of the acid.
• Avoid snacking in between meals.
• Increase your water intake.
• Floss once a day.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Visit your local dentist AT LEAST once per year!