If you’ve ever heard the expression “you are what you eat,” you should know that there’s quite a bit of proverbial truth to it; eating healthy foods inevitably leads to a healthier body! But it isn’t just your body that’ll benefit from a nutritious diet—your smile will flourish, too! Certain foods can actually play a positively impactful role in your oral health and prevent serious problems from developing. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about some of the mouth-friendly foods out there that’ll directly benefit and safeguard your smile.
Crisp Fruits & Crunchy Vegetables
It’s always gratifying to bite into a fruit or vegetable and hear a resounding crunch; and fortunately, there are plenty of vegetables and fruits out there that aren’t just satisfyingly crunchy, but also nutrient-dense and vitamin-rich! Crisp apples and pears, fresh celery, and raw carrots are just a few examples. In addition to being excellent sources of things like fiber and vitamin C, these items also encourage your mouth to produce saliva, which is instrumental in the removal of food debris and the prevention of tooth decay. As an added bonus, celery helps clean your teeth because the texture can scrape leftover food particles and bacteria away from them.
Loads of Leafy Greens
Vegetables should be a staple in your regular diet, as they are accompanied by several awesome health benefits—especially leafy greens like kale, spinach, chard, and collard greens. They provide you with various essential vitamins and minerals, assist with the production of saliva, and aren’t heavy or dense with calories. They’re also high in calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins, which all assist your health. And the best part? They’re quite easy to eat! Simply add them to a salad, a smoothie, or enjoy them on their own.
Mean, Lean Protein
Lean meats like poultry, fish, and tofu all contain phosphorus and protein, both of which contribute to healthier teeth. Nuts like almonds and cashews are also a viable source of protein and calcium, in addition to being low in sugar. However, with some of these items it’s important to brush your teeth directly after eating them, as they can easily leave bits of food debris trapped between your teeth.
Don’t Skip the Dairy
Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk encourage your body to produce more saliva and also strengthen your enamel since they’re high in calcium and protein. Items like yogurt also contain probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, for your digestive system. There are also several dairy-free alternatives for patients with dairy allergies or sensitivities that offer many of the same oral health benefits as traditional dairy options, including almond or soy milk.
Your oral health matters, and every single item that you consume can directly influence your teeth and gums. If you don’t already, you should consider adding some of these foods into your regular diet; your body and your smile will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling received his DDS from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University and has proudly served patients and families in the Stephens City area for nearly 40 years! His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (540) 869-4377.