Between adding nutrients to your body, balancing acidity in the mouth, and creating a steady saliva flow, the foods you choose can make a big difference when it comes to your teeth. Dakota Dental is here to enlighten you about 10 healthy foods for teeth and gums to give you a healthy smile!
Leafy Greens
Lettuce, kale, spinach, and arugula are called superfoods for a reason. These leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that are great for your teeth, including calcium and folic acid. Plus, they strengthen tooth enamel, which protects your teeth against bacterial acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Nuts
Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews are particularly beneficial for teeth because they are full of calcium, which strengthens the bone density of teeth and prevents cavities. They also contain phosphorus, a mineral that bolsters tooth enamel!
Cheese
Cheese is a calcium-rich food for stronger teeth. Because teeth are mostly made up of calcium phosphate, it’s important to get enough calcium into your routine. Cheese also contains casein, which fortifies tooth enamel and keeps teeth protected from harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
Carrots & Celery
Because carrots and celery require a bit of chewing, they actually clean the surface of your teeth as you eat them! They contain minerals and vitamins that benefit the mouth, including vitamin C, calcium, and keratins.
Apples
Apples (and other fibrous fruits) are a perfect snack for oral health. Eating an apple increases saliva production, which washes away leftover food particles and neutralizes acids so you have a nice, balanced pH level in your mouth.
Yogurt
Yogurt is another great snack to incorporate into your diet since it’s full of calcium. Greek yogurt offers an added bonus—it’s full of probiotics, which attack the bacteria in your mouth and help combat bad breath.
Red Meat
Chewing red meat causes your mouth to salivate, which naturally cleans and reduces acidity in the mouth. Plus, like the nuts we mentioned above, red meat is also high in phosphorus.
Strawberries
Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which protects against gum disease by reducing inflammation in your mouth. Other foods high in vitamin C include oranges, kiwis, bell peppers, and broccoli!
Water
Staying hydrated with fluoridated water is one of the best things for your teeth! Fluoride is known as “nature’s cavity fighter” and can work wonders. Plus, swigging out of the glass washes away those pesky food particles stuck in the mouth.
There you have it: 10 foods for stronger teeth and gums to give you a radiantly healthy smile.
Ready to prioritize your oral hygiene?
Dakota Dental is here to help keep your teeth strong, healthy, and clean for decades to come.