The Best Foods for Your Teeth
Helpful Hints for Healthy Teeth
Mack Orthodontics provides comprehensive orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. Dr. Steven Mack and all our staff are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. Fall brings some of your beloved favorites like crisp weather, family gatherings, seasonal food, and holiday fun. We also know the season can be challenging as it can increase your risk of tooth decay. We want to help you prevent common orthodontic issues and maintain excellent oral health—here’s how with a list of the best foods for your teeth!
Savory Treats
Depending on where you are in your orthodontic treatment, we always recommend avoiding certain sticky and hard foods (candy, ice, nuts), and minimizing both sugary foods and sweetened drinks. However, treats don’t just have to be sweet—consider savory options like nuts, seeds, cheese, yogurts, crackers, and vegetable chips, which make excellent candy alternatives. Dairy is packed with phosphates, vitamin D, and calcium, which helps build strong teeth and bones, and can improve tooth enamel. Nut butters come in a variety of flavors, but the sugar content is considerably less than candy and nuts contain healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent healthy snack to enjoy during the fall season—packing a high fiber punch, they help scrub away leftover food particles, so they’re also great for your teeth!
Natural Sugars
Sweets are common this time of year, but it’s important to maintain a diet high in fiber-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for nature’s candy—fruits like berries, bananas, grapes, melons, pineapple, and citrus all pack a sweet punch with an assortment of micronutrients. Enjoy healthy seasonal favorites like apples—did you know crispy foods (like apples, celery, and carrots) can stimulate saliva production, offering a natural defense against cavities and tooth decay. Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that heals gums and fights inflammation, and helps the body produce more collagen aiding healing and cell repair.
Reduced Sugar Items
If natural sugars aren’t enough to soothe your sweet tooth, consider reduced sugar candy and bakery items. That way you can still get a sweet fix, while reducing the overall amount of sugar you’re consuming. Sugar-free gum also promotes saliva production, reducing cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Dark Chocolate
Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate is also teeth-friendly—it contains polyphenols, natural chemicals that limit the buildup of bad oral bacteria, keeping tooth enamel healthy. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Finally, it is important to remember to practice good oral hygiene habits with regular brushing and flossing and keep up with routine dental and orthodontic visits. Get ahead of your oral health by following these tips!
Contact Us Today for Orthodontic Treatment in Bettendorf & Eldridge, IA
Mack Orthodontics is here to provide your family comprehensive orthodontic treatment in Bettendorf and Eldridge, IA and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us via email or directly by phone at 563-359-4686. You can also request an appointment with our easy online form. We’re excited to help you get started on a beautiful new smile today!