It’s common knowledge that cutting back on sugary snacks will reduce your risk of cavities. However, there are plenty of other ways to improve your oral health with what you eat! If you choose to swap out unhealthy food choices for certain healthy ones, you can strengthen your teeth, keep your gums healthy, and even brighten your smile! Here’s what your Portage dentist recommends snacking on for a natural, delicious way to improve your oral health with what you eat!
Raw Cucumbers, Celery, and Apples
You’re probably not surprised to see a few vegetables and fruits on this list of healthy foods. However, some are better for your smile than others. Cucumbers, celery, and apples all contain high amounts of fiber and water, which are particularly helpful for fighting off tooth decay.
As you chew these fibrous foods, they gently scrub the surfaces of your teeth to brush away any accumulating plaque and bacteria. Their high water content washes away any lingering particles and encourages saliva production, which acts as your body’s own natural mouthwash.
Citrus Fruits and Leafy Greens
Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue that impacts nearly 80% of Americans. Along with bleeding gums and bad breath, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Usually, good oral hygiene is enough to protect your gums from this harmful infection. However, if your gums are unhealthy, they can easily become infected.
Vitamin C is great for fighting off infections throughout the body, including the mouth. This important vitamin boosts your immune system, which strengthens your gums and keeps gum disease at bay. Citrus fruits like oranges, pineapples, and lemons are full of Vitamin C, but this nutrient can also be found in leafy greens like spinach and kale.
Milk, Cheese, Turkey, Nuts, and Beans
The enamel of your teeth contains no living cells, which means that it can’t repair itself as it gets worn down with time and use. Instead, it absorbs the calcium from the foods you eat to replace the minerals it’s lost. This helps to restore its strength and protect your teeth from chipping or cracking.
Calcium is found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt as well as canned salmon, soybeans, and chia seeds. To maximize its effectiveness, add foods with phosphorus into your diet. This mineral compliments calcium and can be found in chicken, turkey, sunflower seeds, nuts, and beans.
You can improve your oral health by adding these healthy snacks into your everyday diet. Smile-friendly foods are a delicious and natural way to get a better smile!
About the Author
Our highly skilled team at Advanced Dental Concepts in Portage, IN is passionate about helping you develop an excellent foundation for optimum oral health that lasts a lifetime. Part of that includes regular dental checkups and cleanings to ensure any oral health issues are caught as early as possible. However, they understand the value of taking care of your smile during your everyday life at home. To learn more practical ways to keep your mouth healthy, feel free to contact them via their website or at (219) 763-6878.