Healthy snacks for healthy teeth

I tell my kids we eat nutritious snacks to keep our bodies healthy. I often neglect to tell them that good-for-you-foods are also key for healthy teeth. We're all about keeping our teeth in tip-top shape here in our house -- we brush lots, floss, and visit our dentist several times per year -- so it seems we need to remember which healthy foods will keep our mouths in fighting shape.

Sticky snacks and sugary drinks are definite no-nos. Fortunately, we steer clear of all juices and try to limit the sticky stuff as much as possible. Tara Gidus, a dentist in Orlando, Florida suggests a snack like a small turkey roll-up with a slice of cheese and a piece of lettuce. The cheese is key -- some studies suggest cheeses like aged cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and processed American (yes, processed), may protect against cavities. It's the calcium, phosphorus, and casein (a protein found in dairy products) that give cheese the power of prevention.

Other great snacks and drinks:

• Crunchy fruits and veggies stimulate the flow of saliva and help rebuild tooth surfaces in early stages of decay.
• Sugar-free gum increases saliva too.
• Water and unsweetened tea help wash away food particles.
• Raisins might help prevent cavities and gum disease by stopping the growth of plaque. Because they are sticky and sweet, future studies will determine their overall value.
• Cranberry juice acts like Teflon for the teeth, keeping bacteria from sticking to tooth surfaces.
  
  

Don't forget -- tooth decay is preventable. Eat well, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit a dentist for regular cleanings and exams and your healthy teeth will give you something to smile about.