Which foods strengthen your teeth and braces?

Category: Braces · 24 May 2019

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Take good care of the hard shell that surrounds your teeth – for example, by choosing foods that are good for your teeth and braces.

How snacking affects orthodontic treatment

We all learn at nursery school that sugar is bad for our teeth. But what about healthy juices, smoothies, raisins and savoury snacks?

A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that some dried fruits aren’t as harmful to the teeth as previously thought.

According to the study results, eating raisins did not lead to acid formation in the mouth.

• Chewing increases saliva flow. Saliva bathes the teeth in protective antioxidants that keep oral bacteria in check.

Grapes still don’t get a completely green light, though: you should only eat raisins occasionally. The naturally occurring sugar is highly concentrated and could get into the spaces between the teeth.

Juices and smoothies, too, are less harmful to the teeth than assumed. Another study, published in the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, compared two control groups.

One group ate the fruit whole, the other puréed, or in liquid and juice form. Neither group brushed their teeth for 48 hours. The results showed no difference in the pH of the dental plaque. This suggests that you can safely consume fruit as a smoothie or juice.

On the other hand, savoury snacks are more of a problem, as the harmful oral bacteria love starch and digest it. If eaten frequently, this can become problematic. So be careful with heavily processed crisps and savoury snacks, especially if they also contain sugar.

The alternatives to sweets & co.: ideal snacks for people with braces

The best snacks are neither acidic nor sticky nor sugary. Foods that contain calcium and phosphorus or are considered antibacterial can stimulate saliva flow.

Note: Our saliva is nature’s tooth cleaner and ideal for braces.

# 1 Cheese

Dairy products, including cheese, are rich in calcium, which strengthens teeth and bones. Cheese and milk contain casein protein, which stabilises and repairs tooth enamel. However, not all cheese products are rich in calcium. In general, we recommend hard raw-milk varieties. The information on the packaging shows you how much of your daily calcium intake the product contains.

# 2 Green leafy vegetables

Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are rich in fibre. You have to chew them well to mix them with saliva. This produces protective saliva that bathes and cleans the teeth while neutralising acid.

# 3 Wild salmon

This oily fish contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. This mineral protects and strengthens the teeth.

# 4 Green tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that fight bacteria and disease. Teas usually contain some fluoride, which protects against tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. If you find green tea too bitter, try a high-quality, mild black tea, which can protect your teeth and gums.

# 5: Carrot sticks

Raw vegetables are healthy, especially when you have to chew them well: apples, pears and cucumbers all strengthen your teeth. Chewing cleans the teeth and gums and protects against plaque formation.

Our braces tip:

If you do reach for something sweet, please eat the whole portion in one go. From a dental point of view, this is healthier because you aren’t constantly exposing your teeth to acid.

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Which foods strengthen your teeth and braces?

How snacking affects orthodontic treatment

The alternatives to sweets & co.: ideal snacks for people with braces

Our braces tip:

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