Healthy Options for a Healthy Smile
Improving your diet is important to maintain proper overall health — but what about your oral health? If you’re looking to add some teeth-friendly options to your grocery list, check out the following options:
Crunchy Fruits & Leafy Vegetables
While it’s true that fresh fruits and vegetables are a crucial part of every balanced diet, crunchy fruits and vegetables carry an extra added bonus for your smile! Celery, apples, and carrots act as natural floss, increasing saliva production, cleaning plaque from teeth, and freshening your breath.
Nutrient-filled fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection. However, some dark-colored fruits can cause staining, and citrus should be consumed in moderation. When deciding which fruits and vegetables to add to your diet, choose from these teeth-friendly options.
- Spinach
- Brussel sprouts
- Tangerines
- Pears
- Melons
- Unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices
- Tomatoes
Chickpeas
Chickpeas do not contain saturated fat or cholesterol and they are rich in folic acid — making them a grain addition to your diet! You can swap out other ingredients and use chickpeas instead. The acid in chickpeas helps to keep your mouth healthy by promoting the growth of cells throughout your body.
Whether you pair it with cucumbers as hummus or toss them on a salad, chickpeas pack a punch for such a small legume.
Eggs
Phosphorus is essential to maintain good oral health — and eggs are a great source of phosphorus. Therefore, they help to protect and strengthen tooth enamel. Eggs aren’t just rich in phosphorus, but also contain high amounts of protein, which protects your mouth from cavity-causing acids.
Milk and Dairy Products
Dairy products are perfect for oral health because they are rich in calcium, which is excellent for strengthening your teeth. Choose options such as low or non-fat milk and yogurt to make your teeth stronger and protect your tooth enamel.
Cheeses
Where are our cheese lovers? Cheese is rich in calcium and phosphates, which help keep our teeth strong. One of the best dairy products for your teeth, cheese helps to neutralize the pH in your mouth, combatting and preventing the negative effects of acidic foods, preventing the development of cavities. If consumed in moderation, this cheesy snack can make your stomach and smile happy!
Whole Grains
If you’re on a diet that tells you all carbs are bad, this may come as a shock. While refined flour can cause cavities, not all carbs are made the same. Whole grains have complex carbohydrates that give bacteria less digestible food for them to grow.
Whole grains contain other nutrients such as fiber, calcium, vitamins B and C, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. These vitamins help to fortify your smile and protect against chronic disease.
Some options for healthy whole grains snacks include:
- Plain crackers
- Unsweetened cereals
- Low-salt pretzels
- Baked tortilla chips
Nuts & Seeds
These small snacks have a significant impact on your oral health. Nuts and seeds work to replenish the minerals in your tooth enamel that acidic food can remove.
To check if your snack is healthy, read the label. The Nutritional Facts panel on the packaging will list sugars and fats. If either of these is high in value, it may be a good idea to swap your snack for another option.
Protect Your Smile at Richardson Dentistry
In addition to eating a balanced diet full of these healthy food options, it’s important to drink plenty of water, brush and floss your teeth regularly, and visit your dentist for routine cleanings.
At Richardson Dentistry, our team of skilled doctors and friendly staff are dedicated to accommodating all your preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental needs. It is our goal to offer a comfortable and relaxing experience that you can look forward to. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation today. (972) 218-0078
