Eating Healthy to Avoid Dental Emergencies

For Tulsa Dental Center Patients

Going to the dentist for an emergency is no one’s idea of fun, but sometimes, it’s necessary. But there are some food choices you can make to help you avoid a dental emergency and improve your dental hygiene!

Let’s take a look at a few.

Foods to Consider Avoiding

To protect your teeth from dental emergencies, there are some foods to consider avoiding or enjoying in moderation. These include:

Sugar— We know sugar can lead to cavities, so it is advisable to consume it only in moderation.
Hard bits of foods— Hard foods like popcorn kernels, pits of fruits, ice cubes, almonds, and other hard bits of foods contribute to weakening our tooth enamel. Chipped teeth and cracked teeth are much more likely to happen when consuming these foods.
Sticky foods— Dried fruits or sticky candy can easily stick to the teeth and dislodge a crown or filling. Take much caution if you choose to eat these foods!
Foods that get lodged in between teeth— Popcorn is probably the worst offender, but other foods, including meats, can become lodged between teeth and cause irritation and even lead to infection. Be careful when eating these foods, and don’t forget to floss!

Foods to Consider Adding

best foods for healthy teeth There are some excellent choices to consider as alternatives to some of the above-mentioned problematic foods, but these choices are good for your smile and oral hygiene! Included in this list are:

Veggies— Most vegetables are rich in fiber. When chewing on veggies high in fiber, plaque on the teeth can be scrubbed away. This removal of plaque helps to prevent tooth decay. High fiber vegetables to consider chomping on include cucumbers, celery, carrot sticks, spinach, and broccoli (again, be sure to floss!).
Calcium-rich foods— First to mind is probably milk or cheese. Both are excellent sources of calcium, which will strengthen your tooth enamel, bones (including your jaw bone), and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. Other great sources of calcium include yogurt, kale, canned sardines/salmon, and beans, and lentils.
Fruits and foods high in vitamin C— Vitamin C is vital to our bodies because it can help us to fight off infections, including gum disease. Citrus fruits are a great option containing good amounts of vitamin C and fiber. If citrus isn’t your favorite, other excellent vitamin C sources include cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, and papaya.
Foods eaten with a meal— When you eat with a meal, as opposed to snacking, you are doing your teeth a favor. More saliva is released during a meal, and this helps wash foods from the mouth and lessens the effects of harmful cavity-causing acids.

Conclusion and Contact Info

Consider these food options and how they may affect your dental hygiene. Also, remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and call in the event of an emergency. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Tulsa Dental Center today.