What to Eat This Christmas for Healthy Teeth

What to Eat This Christmas for Healthy Teeth

Ah, Christmas. A time of celebration, friends, family… and food. Did you know that there are some foods that are great for encouraging healthy teeth? If you make a few simple additions to your Christmas diet, your teeth will certainly be thanking you!

Hoe down on the H2O

Water helps wash away food debris and maintains saliva levels. Saliva helps against tooth decay because it contains proteins and minerals that counteract enamel-eating acids. In fact, saliva contains enzymes that buffer the acids present in food and clean bits of food out of your teeth. Keep up your intake of water over the festive season and your teeth (and hydrated body!) will thank you.

Crunch Your Fruit and Veggies

Crunchy fruits and vegetables are perfect for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape. Go for those that have a high water content, such as carrots, raw broccoli, celery, cucumber, and apples – the crunchy texture is great for stimulating saliva and potentially helping to remove plaque.

Be Smart About Dairy

A good dairy intake means a plenty of opportunity to up your calcium intake. Cheese, plain milk and sugar-free yoghurt are the healthiest options and protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium needed to remineralise your teeth. Just beware of hidden sugars that lurk in some family favourites such as flavoured milk and yoghurt – stick to natural, plain varieties for the healthiest calcium option.

Munch on Some Meat or Get Fishy

Chicken and other meats contain phosphorus, which is an important mineral for protecting tooth enamel when combined with calcium. If your family and friends usually go for a more seafood-based Christmas lunch, add some salmon to the table. Salmon is a great source of Vitamin D, which allows your body to absorb and use calcium, which in turn protects tooth enamel.