Here at Kilbarchan Dental Practice we're obviously keen to warn patients about foods to avoid to help keep teeth and gums healthy but there are plenty of healthy options to choose from.

What foods are good for your teeth?

We know that your smile’s biggest enemies are sugars and acids. The good news is that as people have become more conscious of what they eat and drink food and drink companies have had to introduce more sugar substitutes.

One of the most popular sweetners is xylitol which is a natural sugar alcohol found in most plant material and many fruits and vegetables. It is extracted from birch wood, berries, oats, beets and sugar cane but you will probably know it as the sweetener in chewing gum or mints. Xylitol is actively good for your teeth and it has been proven to fight dental plaque because it contains anti-microbial agents which help to kill bacteria in saliva in the mouth and also to reduce tooth decay and cavities.

Is chewing gum good for healthy teeth?

Chewing gum used to be something to be avoided but it can actually be very good for your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque, which are harmful to tooth enamel.

What other food can I eat to help keep healthy teeth?

There are other items you can add to your diet that can help to keep your teeth looking great. Fibrous foods like celery and apples can act as “nature’s-toothbrushes” to scrub your teeth, stimulate your gums, and increase saliva flow. Remember all fruits have sugars and acids so try to eat them with meals to lessen any harmful effects. Non-sugary popcorn is a great one for the kids as it gives the tooth enamel a good scrub as it’s being chewed.

If you make some small changes to eat and drink smarter you can keep your family and your dentist smiling!

If you have any queries regarding oral health don't hesitate to visit us at the practice, call us on 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental.co.uk