Most of us despise medication, we believe going to the doctor (or in this case, the dentist) is a waste of time, and taking time out of our busy lives for a “routine checkup” is just not how we do things. So here’s a list of the top 5 foods that can help maintain your dental health.

1. Dairy products: Whether it’s cheese, yogurt or just plain old milk, dairy products are the best source of calcium and protein, which are not just major constituents of a balanced diet, but are of massive importance to your teeth as well. Your teeth are fundamentally made up of calcium, which is why a healthy supply of the nutrient is required to help avoid periodontal disease and maintain teeth structure.

2. Salmon: Apart from sunlight, a major supplier of calcium and vitamin D is fish, especially salmon. Without vitamin D, your body would be unable to absorb calcium, which is an essential constituent of healthy teeth.

3. Leafy, crunchy vegetables: Cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and spinach are just a few examples of the vegetables you could incorporate in your diet to attain better oral health. They contain a considerable amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the teeth, making them more resistant to plaque and bacteria. These vegetables also contain phosphorous, which, like vitamin D, is essential for the absorption of calcium. The ability of these vegetables to stimulate salivary glands results in more production of the main antiseptic in the mouth.

4. Citrus fruits: These are great sources of vitamin C. Even green veggies cannot match their vitamin C potency. They help strengthen the jaws by reinforcing the connective tissue that holds the jaw in place. Vitamin C is also an anti-inflammatory, which enables it to slow down the development of gingivitis in the oral cavity.

5. Onions: Onions play a vital role in killing the parasitic bacteria that is deposited on your teeth. Hence, they can protect you from problems such as tooth decay and cavities.
Moving on to the 5 foods that destroy your teeth:

1. Hard candy: Sucking on a mint may seem like a good idea, but this causes the excessive build-up of acid in the mouth, which creates a de-mineralization effect in the teeth. Try eating sugar-free breath mints.

2. Sports drinks: Thick, viscous, sugary sports drinks may seem like a good way to replenish your thirst, but the tremendous amount of acidity and sugar in those drinks can destroy your teeth in the long-run.

3. Dried Fruits: These are high in sugar, which sticks to your teeth and provides a suitable habitat for bacteria to grow and propagate, thus increasing the chances of tooth decay.

4. Alcohol: Alcohol is acidic in nature. It has the tendency of inhibiting saliva production and dissolving enamel, which can become a huge problem for you if not taken care of.

5. Soft drinks: “Carbonated” drinks are purely acidic in nature. They are extremely damaging to teeth because of their capability to dissolve enamel.

It is vital that you change your eating habits, but if you happen to have a dental emergency or have developed a symptom, contact us today  at 1-718-535-1196 to schedule an appointment with the best Dentist in Staten Island