We often hear about all the foods that are harmful to our teeth and our oral health, but we hardly ever hear about the foods that you should eat for a healthy mouth. While it’s widely known to stay away from dark colored drinks such as soda and wine, you may not know that some foods you already enjoy may have more benefits than you thought. Here are just a few of the many different foods that are good for your oral health and teeth:
Apples
Apples can be sweet, but they are also a great source of fiber and water. Even just biting into an apple can produce saliva which helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles from your teeth. Due to the apple’s fibrous texture, the fruit can also stimulate the gums, which helps with your overall gum health.
Almonds
Did you know that almonds are a great source of calcium and protein? This low-sugar nut provides your teeth with these much-needed nutrients, which help to keep your teeth stronger and healthier. Try eating a quarter cup of almonds as a snack, in a salad for lunch, or even in a dinner stir-fry!
Carrots
Similar to apples, the crunchy texture of carrots helps to increase saliva production in your mouth, which reduces your chances of cavities. Carrots are full of fiber and are a great source of vitamin A. Try to incorporate them into your diet by snacking on some baby carrots or adding a few slices of roasted carrots to a salad!
Cheese
Are you a cheese fanatic? You’ll love getting this news! Not only does cheese taste delicious, it’s also great for lowering the risk of tooth decay. When you eat cheese, it raises the pH in your mouth, which helps to fight tooth decay. Cheese also has other health benefits — it has a lot of calcium and protein. With the nutrients found in cheese, it comes to no surprise that it strengthens tooth enamel.
Yogurt
Enjoy yogurt? Good – it’s full of calcium and protein just like cheese! Along with those key nutrients that make your teeth nice and strong, it also contains probiotics (good bacteria) that help to keep the bad bacteria away, which helps to protect against cavities. If you choose to incorporate more yogurt into your diet, look for those that have no added sugar.
At Academy Dental Care, we make it our mission to ensure our patients’ oral health. If you experience dental pain, gum sensitivity, or have other oral health concerns, the doctors and staff at Academy Dental Care are here for you. To schedule a consultation or book a routine cleaning appointment, give us a call today at (505) 828-2020.