Foods that Promote Tooth and Gum Health

If someone asked you how to get a healthy smile, you would probably give the standard answer, “Brush and floss your teeth every day.” While that is important, don’t underestimate how the foods you eat can affect your dental health over time. Healthy eating habits will always promote stronger, more resilient teeth and gums. 

Make sure all of these foods are making an appearance in your diet if you want a happy, healthy mouth.

Apples and Oranges

Everyone knows you can’t completely compare these fruits, but there are some things they have in common, like fiber. Fruits and vegetables with a lot of fiber like apples, oranges, and celery give you a tooth-cleaning boost. They also increase your saliva, which washes away acids, sugar, and bacteria that harm your teeth.

Apples and oranges also contain plenty of Vitamin C, an important nutrient that protects your gums from damage and infection.

Spinach and Other Leafy Greens

Leafy greens have two things going for them: they are low-calorie and they have a ton of nutrients that are good for your teeth including vitamin C. They also contain Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and beta-carotene.

It’s interesting to note that spinach might seems unhealthy for your teeth because it leaves behind a film when you eat it, which is caused by calcium mixed with oxalic acid. But that calcium also builds your enamel. So if your teeth feel weird after eating spinach, don’t worry. You’re treating them just fine.

Milk

Milk is another source of calcium, but it also has phosphorus, vitamin D, and casein going for it. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It also helps repair dentin, and it aids the immune system, which helps fight gum disease. 

The casein is also a big help. It is a protein that creates a protective film, which protects your teeth from decay.

Meat

It’s common knowledge that meat contains a lot of protein, and that is good for your oral health as it helps repair gum tissue. Another added benefit is the phosphorus it contains. This helps rebuild tooth enamel. Chewing on meat also helps your oral health by producing saliva.

Nuts

 If you like to munch on potato chips, you should consider replacing them with nuts. Chips have a lot of starch, which breaks down into sugars when they contact with saliva. By contrast, nuts are low in sugar, and when you chew them, it creates more saliva.

Not only are nuts rich in protein, they also have an amino acid called arginine, which helps prevent cavities.

What You Eat Isn’t Everything

Making sure you eat right is an important aspect of your oral health, but you shouldn’t neglect the basic habits of brushing and flossing your teeth. You should also make sure you are checking in with your dentist regularly. If you’re looking for a good dental office in Elko, Nevada, AnyDay Dental works with patients seven days a week and accepts walk-ins.

Sources

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