“You are what you eat.” As cliche as the saying goes, it’s pretty true! Stuff your face with junk, and your insides will reflect that. Eat healthy foods, and your body will reap the benefits. Simple, right?
It’s commonly believed that good oral hygiene involves brushing, flossing, and regular dentist appointments, but it’s so much more than that. A healthy diet is key to a healthy mouth. Your teeth and oral tissues benefit from nutrients and vitamins just like the rest of your body.
Obviously sticky, sugary foods like taffy, jawbreakers, and soda are a mouth’s worst nightmare, but did you know there are types of food that are specifically good for your mouth? Check out the list below for some tooth-friendly foods.
Cranberries: Beneficial for the urinary tract system, cranberries also do wonders for your mouth. Rich in polyphenols, they can reduce plaque buildup and remove harmful bacteria from your teeth that cause decay.
Crunchy produce: Hard, crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery are loaded with vitamins, and they scrub bacteria from gums and teeth. Their tough and fibrous texture stimulates gums and activates the production of saliva to cleanse the mouth. Think of eating an apple as “nature’s toothbrush”.
Dairy: Milk it! Seriously…Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt) is loaded with calcium, protein, and vitamin D; all are great for maintaining strong teeth. Dairy has a low sugar content. Like crunchy produce, chewing cheese increases the production of saliva. The probiotics in yogurt helps flush out cavity-causing bacteria.
Garlic: A favorite flavor that makes everything delicious, garlic is praised for its immunity-boosting benefits. Garlic contains acillin, its antibacterial properties, which aid in fighting off cavities and gum disease, not to mention give you “garlic breath”, but don’t worry about that because the stench is worth all the health benefits.
Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, swiss chard, and collard greens are known for their numerous health benefits. High in vitamins and minerals, and low in calories, leafy greens contain a ton of calcium to maintain strong teeth. They also contain antioxidants, folic acid, and vitamin B, which help promote oral health and fight off gum disease. If you can’t bear the bitter taste, mix leafy greens in a colorful salad or throw a handful into a smoothie.
Lean proteins: According to the ADA, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich in protein and phosphorus, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Make sure you choose proteins with the least amount of fat (zero hormones, organic, and free-range are great choices too). Opt for the sirloin over the rib-eye if you can! Lean proteins also help the development of connective tissues.
Nuts: Just like other crunchy foods that increase saliva production, nuts do too. Nuts are a great source of healthy fat, fiber, and protein - all good for your teeth and gums. Their crunchiness also activates saliva production. Just don’t go nuts cracking their shells…Remember to use a nutcracker and not your teeth!
Strawberries: In addition to their sweet, juicy flavor and high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, strawberries contain malic acid, which can reduce and remove stains, acting as a natural tooth whitener. It’s not guaranteed that your teeth will get whiter from eating strawberries, but it’s a possibility.
If you would like to schedule a dental check-up, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.