The Eight Best Foods for Dental Health
Did you know that good nutrition can help build strong teeth and gums? Some of the best foods for dental health are fresh fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots. Along with regular brushing and flossing, healthy snacks can help prevent cavities and gum disease. At Sunrise Dental, we encourage our patients to protect their dental health by eating healthy foods every day—read on to learn more.
The Eight Best Foods for Dental Health
1: Apples
Finishing a meal with a fresh, juicy apple is almost as beneficial as brushing your teeth! Apples have a high water content that helps wash away food debris, and their high fiber content stimulates your gums. An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but you should still visit your dentist for a cleaning at least once or twice a year.
2: Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale contain lots of calcium, which builds tooth enamel. Did you know that your tooth enamel has an even higher mineral content than your bones? The calcium and minerals in leafy greens help build your enamel. They also contain folic acid, an important B vitamin that promotes a healthy mouth.
3: Yogurt
The probiotics in yogurt fight cavity-causing bacteria. Yogurt also has calcium, which is important for building strong teeth. Plain yogurt is best, because it has no added sugar. Look for yogurt with high calcium content and low sugar.
4: Carrots
Crunchy carrots require lots of chewing, which stimulates saliva production. Saliva plays an important role in helping to protect your teeth and gums—it washes away food debris and fights cavity-causing bacteria. The fiber in carrots also helps to break up plaque as you chew.
5: Celery
Just like apples, celery stalks have high water content. Carrots and celery stalks go great with dips, and make a very healthy snack. Celery is also very fibrous, as you’ve probably noticed. If you’re snacking on some celery and its strings get caught in your teeth, you’ll have a good reason to do some extra flossing!
6: Almonds
Almonds have lots of calcium and other minerals that are good for your teeth. They’re also low in sugar and high in protein so they make a great snack. Be careful with almonds and other nuts if you have had problems with cracked or broken teeth. You can ask us about food restrictions for sensitive teeth at your next appointment.
7: Coconut Oil
Because coconut oil is naturally antifungal and antiviral, it’s great for your oral health. Coconut oil helps heal bleeding or sensitive gums and also fights bad breath. Its high lauric acid content makes coconut oil anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial.
8: Green Tea
Green tea has polyphenols, which are antioxidants that prevent inflammation and protect your gums. Polyphenols slow the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, and they also help prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth. Green tea gives you that energy boost you crave, but won’t stain your teeth like coffee.
Don’t forget to drink water!
Drinking water helps keep your mouth clean. It also fights cavities and gum disease by rinsing away harmful bacteria and food debris. Acids from plaque, food, and beverages can harm your tooth enamel, but drinking water dilutes those acids and helps protect your teeth.
Plaque can’t build up in a clean, hydrated mouth. A simple glass of water can wash away residue that might cause stains, reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath, and protect your tooth enamel. The more water you drink, the brighter you’ll be smiling.
Contact Us
Our friendly dentists Dr. Timothy Mettler, Dr. Victoria Griego, and Dr. Andrew Mikhail are committed to providing the highest level of dental care. Dr. Mettler and Dr. Griego have proudly served Peoria, Arizona and the surrounding communities of Surprise, Phoenix, and Glendale for over 30 years. Contact us today to learn more about our dental services and to schedule a visit with our talented and attentive team. We look forward to giving you a reason to smile!
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