A healthy diet is just as important to dental health as it is for your overall health. Getting the right nutrients can lead to healthy gums, strong teeth, and fewer oral health issues. In this post, we’ll cover some of the best foods for healthy teeth.
Foods High In Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for the human body. It strengthens teeth and bones, making them less likely to fracture. Calcium is also essential for teeth development, which makes it extra important for babies and children with growing teeth. Adding more calcium to your diet can prevent damage to your teeth and repair existing damage.
Foods high in calcium include: milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Foods High In Fiber
High-fiber foods are crunchy and require a lot of chewing. This is good for teeth because it stimulates the flow of saliva in your mouth and scrubs your teeth while you chew. Eating fiber filled foods acts like a natural cleaning for your teeth. They are great at scrubbing out food particles and bacteria that can promote tooth decay.
Foods high in fiber include: celery, carrots, apples, and pears.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are packed with vitamins and nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet. Greens contain vitamins and minerals like calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins. They are also powerful prebiotics that can foster the growth of beneficial oral bacteria, leading to a healthier microbiome in your mouth. Even better, they’re a nutrient-dense and low-calorie food that’s great for your overall diet.
Leafy greens include: kale, spinach, and arugala.
Foods With Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
There are other foods that have specific ingredients that promote oral health. Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and trout contain Omega-3s, which have been shown to fight gum disease. Citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which has been proven to slow the progression of gum inflammation. Polyphenols are a chemical compound that have been shown to have anti-microbial properties that slow tooth decay – you can find polyphenols in cacao nibs, coffee, and tea.
Conclusion
All of the foods mentioned in this post are not only important for dental health – they also provide the vitamins and nutrients essential for a healthy body. The next time you’re grocery shopping or planning a meal, try to include some of the teeth-friendly foods on this list. With a well-balanced diet that contains strategic ingredients, you can keep you teeth and body healthy for a long time.