You’re craving something between meals, and it’s oh-so-easy to reach for a candy bar or perhaps a gummy bear. However, you know that these kinds of snacks aren’t a healthy option for your body, nor for your teeth. So what are the best snacks that are good for your teeth?

Having a balanced diet is important for your oral health. Food that is good for your teeth does not always necessarily have to be boring. There are many options to choose from every day that help prevent decay and promote good gum health.

This is true for not only adults but also kids who need to learn good oral habits and snacking habits from the start. Let’s explore tooth-friendly snack options that you can start incorporating into your daily meals.

What Makes a Snack Tooth-Friendly?

Before checking out the list of snack foods that are good for your teeth, let’s examine key factors that make them ideal options.

Food good for teeth includes those that:

• Have low sugar content
• Are high in fibre, which helps clean teeth
• Are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which support enamel health
• Increase saliva production to neutralize acids

With these considerations in mind, let’s look at what are the best good foods for teeth that you can enjoy as a snack.

10 Snacks That Are Good For Your Teeth

The good news is that many snacks fall under these categories. Let’s take a look at the list so that you can make better snacking choices.

1. Cheese

Cheese makes a fantastic healthy snack for your teeth. It’s high in calcium, which strengthens enamel. It helps neutralize acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Cut up a few cubes and pair it with the next snack item on this list and you’ve got a nutritious duo.

2. Crunchy Vegetables

Think carrots, celery and bell peppers. These are fibre-rich vegetables that scrub plaque off your teeth. They also stimulate saliva production, which cleanses the mouth. They pair nicely with cheese, as well as a healthy dip.

3. Apples

It’s sweet, but an apple is a great snack that’s good for your teeth. Apples have a high water content, helping rinse away other food particles. Their fibrous texture stimulates the gums and increases saliva production.

They’re also filling, so you’re less likely to crave candies or other sugary foods after having a serving.

4. Unsweetened Yogurt

Rich in calcium and probiotics, unsweetened yogurt is an ideal tooth-healthy snack. Unsweetened Greek yogurt also has the added benefit of being high in protein. It’s a versatile snack that benefits both enamel and gum health.

Make it into a dip by adding fresh or dried herbs and a bit of mayonnaise. Pair it with crunchy vegetables and you’ve got the ultimate tooth-friendly snack.

5. Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, cashews and walnuts, provide calcium and phosphorus. Both are beneficial to tooth strength. Chewing nuts also helps produce saliva, which cleanses your teeth. Nuts pair nicely with apples and cheese for a filling snack.

6. Leafy Greens

Consider using leafy greens such as spinach or Romaine lettuce as a base for a wrap for an easy snack. Leafy greens are full of calcium and vitamins, which are good for your teeth.

Since leafy greens are low in sugar, this makes them a great choice for your tooth health. Pair leafy greens with chopped-up hard-boiled eggs mixed with your unsweetened yogurt-based dip and you’ve got a quick egg salad wrap.

7. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Speaking of eggs… hard-boiled eggs are a great snack because they’re rich in protein and phosphorus, supporting tooth strength and gum health. Eat one on its own, or as mentioned above, make it into an egg salad filling for a leafy green wrap.

8. Watermelon

With its high water content, watermelon is a great snack, washing away food particles. Slightly sweet, it not only handles your cravings but also promotes hydration, reducing dry mouth.

9. Oranges

When eaten sparingly, oranges can be included in this list of snacks that are good for your teeth. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which helps with gum health. Since they are acidic, eat them in moderation and drink water or rinse your mouth afterward.

10. Sugar-Free Gum

It’s not a “snack” but chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva.

3 Smart Tips For Snacking Smart

Now that you have a list of the best snacks that are good for your teeth, you need to know how to maximize your oral health with them.

You’ll need to consider a few things for optimal dental health:

• Limit Your Snacking: While these foods good for teeth should be part of your snack options, don’t overdo them. Constant snacking can lead to prolonged acid exposure.
• Pair Snacks With Water: Always rinse with water after eating, especially if the food is acidic or sugary.
• Brush Your Teeth If Possible: If you can brush your teeth after snacking, that’s great. This is especially true if you have sticky or sweet snacks.

Snacks That Are Good For Your Teeth Do Exist!

As you can see from this list of snacks that are good for your teeth, you have several options. Even in moderation, sugary options like oranges can be good for your oral health.

Remember to:

• Consider snacks that are tooth-friendly
• Make them part of your regular diet as they have positive effects on your tooth health
• Eat sugary snacks like oranges in moderation

Family Dentistry: Dentist Office In Midland

Regular dental visits for checkups and cleaning should be part of your ongoing dental care regime.

Is it time to have your teeth checked and cleaned?  Looking for a dentist’s office in Midland? We pride ourselves on providing expert family dentistry. We offer dental crowns and bridges, regular cleaning and checkups, and more intensive procedures like tooth replacement, cosmetic dentistry, and teeth whitening.

Contact Midland Bay Dental to book an appointment online or call us at (705) 526-6441. Follow Midland Bay Dental on Facebook.