Not all foods are created equal when it comes to keeping your teeth and body healthy. The following lists of foods will help you make healthy choices about what you and your family are munching on.
Protein Foods
Protein rich foods help reduce risks for cavities.
- reduced-fat cheeses: cheddar monterey, jack, mozzarella, string, Swiss
- low-fat cottage cheese
- unflavored 1% fat or non-fat milk
- unsweetened low-fat yogurt
- skinless poultry, lean red meats, seafood and tofu
- water-packed canned tuna
- natural peanut butter
- unsweetened nuts and seeds
- eggs
Vegetables
Raw vegetables help increase saliva to "wash" food particles and harmful acid from teeth.
- carrots
- celery
- bell and chile peppers
- cucumbers
- radishes
- cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli
- collards, bok choy, spinach, other greens
- tomatoes
- jicama
- summer squash
- vegetable juices
Breads/Cereals
Cereals and bread products contain sugars and starches that easily lead to cavities. Limit to 1 serving in a snack.
- whole-grain breads, cereals and crackers
- tortillas
- english muffins
- rice cakes
- pita bread
- low-fat popcorn
- bagels
- low or no sugar dry cereal
Fruits
Fruits, such as dried fruits and fruit juices, are high in sugar and can stick to teeth. Choose juicy fruits and limit items such as bananas, raisins and juices to 1 serving in a snack.
- apples
- pears
- apricots, peaches
- plums, nectarines
- melons
- oranges, grapefruit
- berries, grapes
- unsweetened canned fruit
- unsweetened fruit juice
Information provided by Share the Care.
