Nutritious Foods That Enhance Your Smile
Good oral care doesn’t start in the dentist’s office; it’s in the kitchen! One of the most effective ways to preserve the look and health of your smile is to maintain a healthy diet. Loading up on nutrient-rich foods and beverages and limiting sugar and processed foods can boost your oral hygiene between dentist visits.
Your local dental provider can guide you on incorporating good foods into your diet. You can also learn how the following foods promote healthy teeth.
Dairy
If you love cheese, then here’s some good news. Cheese is very tooth-friendly because it’s high in calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel. It’s also relatively high in phosphates that regulate your mouth’s pH levels, further protecting your enamel.
Milk, also rich in calcium, is an excellent liquid to stay hydrated when you don’t have fluoridated water handy. It lowers the acids in your mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay. Also, try yogurt to battle gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
Leafy Green Veggies
Your teeth thrive on calcium, folic acid, and vitamins and minerals, which are prevalent in leafy greens. Try the crunchy kind, like spinach, lettuce, and kale, in salads and sandwiches to help clean your teeth.
Apples and Pears
Pears and apples contain lots of fiber, which clean your teeth. They also increase salivation, counteracting decay-causing acids. You may worry about the sugars in these and other fruits, but chewing an apple can stimulate your gums, further promoting saliva production and reducing harmful bacteria.
Crunchy Veggies
Non-leafy vegetables that pack a crunch are great to include in your diet. Chewing these foods helps keep tooth surfaces clean. Crunchy veggies like carrots and celery naturally cleanse your teeth of food particles and increase salivation. They also have many vitamins and minerals that are good for the teeth and the rest of your body.
Berries Rich in Vitamin C
As does your whole body, your teeth benefit from vitamin C because of its antioxidant properties and how it stimulates tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C also strengthens dentin, which makes up most of a tooth’s structure.
For vitamin C, consider increasing your intake of berries, especially strawberries, which also have malic acid that naturally whitens teeth. Also, stock up on other vitamin C-rich foods like apples, pears, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and cucumbers.
Nuts
For another source of calcium, nuts are beneficial. They also contain phosphorus, which works with calcium to build bones and tooth enamel. Go for almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews to combat cavity-causing bacteria. Also, cashews increase saliva production, and walnuts are great for fiber, folic acid, iron, potassium, and other nutrients.
Whole Grains
If you crave pasta and bread, satisfying your cravings with simple carbohydrates can contribute to cavities. Fortunately, this isn’t true for whole grains. Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oatmeal have complex carbohydrates, making your mouth less hospitable to harmful bacteria.
Water
When quenching your thirst, you can’t do better than water. Getting plenty of water helps with nutrient distribution and waste removal. It also keeps your teeth healthy if it has fluoride. Fluoridated water is a natural cavity fighter, maintaining proper saliva production and cleansing your teeth of food particles.
Ask Your Cincinnati Dental Provider about a Tooth-Friendly Diet
Adopting a healthy diet is a proactive step toward maintaining optimal oral health. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods and minimizing sugary options, your dental check-ups will show for it. For dietary advice tailored to your dental needs, don’t hesitate to consult a Beckham Square Family Dental provider. Your local dentist and dental hygienist can recommend suitable dietary choices and guide you in fostering habits that promote a beautiful smile.