We all know the basics of good oral hygiene include brushing multiple times a day, flossing, etc., but did you know that even the choice of foods you eat can improve your oral health? Your dentist can attest; eating a balanced diet full of nutritious food isn’t just beneficial for your waistline; it’s beneficial for the health of your mouth, too!
Dairy Products
It may not come as a surprise but cheese, milk, and yogurt are great for your teeth! These delicious dairy products are rich in calcium and lower the acid levels in your mouth that plaque loves. Hard, aged cheeses increase saliva production, which washes out some of the bacteria in your mouth. Yogurt can also decrease the amount of hydrogen sulfide that leads to bad breath.
Leafy Greens
Kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and spinach are full of folic acid, a type of B vitamin that has numerous health benefits including possibly treating gum disease. High in calcium, these leafy greens help strengthen teeth’s enamel and are also low in calories. They are easy to incorporate in your diet, simply add them to a salad, a sandwich, or a fruit smoothie.
Apples
Full of fiber and water, the action of eating an apple increases saliva production to rinse away bacteria and food particles. Its fibrous texture stimulates gums and can actually help tide you over if you are in a situation where you can’t brush your teeth right away.
Carrots and Celery
Both carrots and celery are crunchy and full of fiber, two things your teeth and gums love! Like apples, eating raw carrots or celery at the end of a meal acts as a toothbrush to help scrape food particles and bacteria away. And both vegetables are high in vitamin A and C, which greatly benefit your gum health.
Fatty Fish and Nuts
Those who eat a moderate to high amount of fatty fish and nuts are up to 30% less likely to have gum disease compared to those who don’t. If that weren’t enough, nuts are also high in calcium, especially Brazil nuts and almonds. Tuna, salmon, and peanut butter are easy additions to your daily diet that will help maintain a healthy smile.
Water
Drinking water is good for you in so many ways, but specifically, here’s how it benefits your oral health: water cleans your mouth with every sip, helping wash away food debris and keeping saliva levels high. As a bonus, it doesn’t contain sugar and has neutral pH to minimize your mouth’s acid levels. Most drinking water also contains fluoride which is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to prevent cavities.
Strawberries
This may come as a surprise because they are so sweet, but strawberries can be good for your teeth! These red berries contain malic acid, a natural enamel whitener. They are also packed full of vitamin C, which helps maintain your gums’ strength and integrity.
Pick Foods that Make You Smile
You’ve always been told “you are what you eat”. Hopefully this list helped identify some of the foods you already love that will help your teeth, mouth, and gums stay healthy. And since they’re all good, nutritious foods, eating your way to a healthier smile may also contribute to better overall health, body weight, and well-being.
If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call Abundant Dental Care’s dental clinic today.
