Most of us know that when it comes to healthy teeth and gums, sugar is public enemy number one. Foods like candy and soda contribute to tooth decay. But did you know that when your diet lacks proper nutrition, one of the first things to suffer is your oral health? The good news is that there are plenty of foods that improve your diet and at the same time are specifically good for your pearly whites.
What To Eat:
- Milk and other dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D and help promote healthy teeth and bones, reducing the risk for tooth loss. Try adding yogurt mixed with fruit and granola to your diet to get extra calcium, vitamin C, and protein.
- Cheese releases a burst of calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks to the teeth, protecting them from the acid that causes decay and helping to rebuild tooth enamel.
- Crunchy fruits and raw vegetables, like apples, carrots and celery, help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath. Slice up veggies and keep them in a container with water in the fridge. Try reaching for those instead of processed crackers and chips when you’re feeling peckish.
- Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection.
- Folic acid promotes a healthy mouth and supports cell growth throughout the entire body. This member of the B vitamin family is found in green leafy vegetables and brewer’s yeast. Have a hard time enjoying leafy greens? Throw some on a pizza or in an omelet.
- Almonds are great for your teeth because they are a good source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. They are easy to travel with and munch on during the day.
Being kind to your teeth really means being good to your entire body. Trying spending some time this summer working healthy foods into your diet — not just for your smile, but for your overall wellbeing. And as always, let us know how we can help keep those teeth as healthy as possible.
