Food Do's and Don'ts to Keep You Smiling

Want to keep smiling for years to come? Alongside regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing, your diet plays a big role, in both your overall and your oral health. The foods you reach for day to day can either support your teeth or quietly work against them.

Here’s a simple guide to the foods worth enjoying more often, and a few to keep in moderation, to help keep your smile bright.

Foods that are good for your teeth

Next time you’re after a snack, a few options stand out. Cheese is high in calcium and low in sugar, which makes it an ideal choice for your teeth. A raw pear is another winner, unlike many fruits, it’s good at neutralising the lingering acids that contribute to decay.

Leafy greens are great for your gums too, being rich in folate and other valuable vitamins and minerals. Not a salad fan? They’re easy to tuck into sandwiches and other meals instead.

Foods and drinks to go easy on

We all know sweets aren’t ideal, but a few less obvious culprits are worth flagging. Starchy foods like soft breads and crisps tend to cling to teeth and lodge in crevices, feeding plaque build-up.

Alcohol dries the mouth, and with less saliva to wash away debris, that can spell trouble for your oral health. And pickles, handy as they are, are highly acidic, as are pickled foods generally, which can wear at enamel over time. None of these is off-limits, but moderation, and a rinse with water afterward, helps.

Time for a visit?

If your diet has strayed toward the "go easy" list lately, there’s no need to worry. Get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book a check-up and clean, and we’ll help keep your smile in good shape.