Top Foods and Drinks that Help Prevent Cavities
Summer is a time where fun takes the wheel and everything else is an afterthought. That can be great when it comes to getting outdoors and playing, going on vacation, and visiting your local theme park. But when it comes to your oral health, fun and games can leave you with cavities. It’s important to make healthy and smart decisions for your body and your teeth, instead of eating only junk food. Parents and kids are both prone to get cavities in the summer, so check out these top foods and drinks to keep your oral health on point!
Milk
Loaded with plenty of calcium, milk is almost one of those “no-brainer” drinks. Calcium is known for its many benefits for your bones as well as your teeth, but milk does so much more. It can bring up the pH levels in your mouth that lessen when you consume sugary foods and drinks. This helps prevent plaque buildup, which is a main cause of cavities.
Apples
Fruit is always a good option when it comes to keeping your body and your teeth healthy. While apples and other fresh fruits contain high sugar levels, they also contain acids that can stimulate saliva flow. When you have excess saliva, it reduces cavities by lowering the levels of harmful bacteria in your mouth. An apple a day will keep both doctors and dentists away!
Wine
This one is only for the adults, and packs a good, if not surprising, cavity fighting punch. If you like to indulge in a box of chocolates, or other sugary delight, occasionally, having a glass of wine afterwards can fight the bacteria that causes cavities. Specifically, red wine features proanthocyanidins, which have been said to have antioxidants that have tooth-healthy properties.
Gum
Chewing regular gum can cause cavities, but opting for a sugar-free version that is sweetened with xylitol can help prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. The reason that sugar-free gum is effective is that it increases your saliva output, which lessens the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay and cavities.
