| We've all heard the saying "an apple a day keeps the | | | | Fiber is a very important part of one's diet. In |
| doctor away" but what many people don't realize is | | | | addition to making the stomach feel full which |
| that selecting foods which are good for teeth will | | | | reduces eating in general, it keeps saliva flowing |
| keep the dentist away. No one enjoys a visit to the | | | | which allows for a mineral defense in the mouth. This |
| dentist or a root canal procedure. No one enjoys | | | | defense reduces tooth decay. Fiber can be found in a |
| sitting in the waiting room reading copies of gossip | | | | variety of fruits and vegetables. It is particularly |
| magazines from three years ago. So why not choose | | | | common in dried fruits like dates, raisins, and figs. Not |
| foods that are good for teeth? | | | | dried fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges also |
| One reason people don't choose foods which are | | | | are a good source of fiber. Vegetables such as |
| good for their teeth is that people don't realize what | | | | baked beans, Brussels sprouts, and peas are great |
| is good for their teeth. Important things to look for in | | | | sources of fiber. Nuts such as peanuts and almonds, |
| foods are calcium, fiber, and whole grains. Generally | | | | in addition to being a good source of protein, have |
| speaking though, if people stick to the food guide | | | | fiber as well. |
| pyramid, their teeth and the rest of their body will be | | | | Whole Grains |
| healthy. | | | | Whole grains are more important for gum health than |
| Calcium | | | | tooth health. This is not to be diminished though |
| Calcium is good for one's teeth as it helps in their | | | | because what good are healthy teeth if there is |
| growth. This mineral is essential for growing children | | | | nothing to hold them in place? Whole grains provide |
| whose permanent or adult teeth haven't fully formed | | | | Vitamin B and iron which are both important for the |
| yet. Calcium can be found in a variety of dairy | | | | health of gums. In addition, they are an excellent |
| products. Calcium in dairy products isn't found in the | | | | source of magnesium which is necessary for bones |
| fat portion of the milk. This means that skim and | | | | and teeth health. Also, whole grains are just better |
| other forms of low fat milk products will have just as | | | | overall than non whole grains. Foods made from |
| much calcium as a milk product based on whole milk. | | | | whole grains include a variety of breads, not white |
| Fiber | | | | rice, and other cereals. |
