The Right Diet for Great Oral Health
A great oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your local dentist can go a long way toward maintaining good oral health, but that’s not all you need to do if you want to protect your beautiful smile. The right diet is crucial when it comes to keeping your teeth strong and providing them with the vitamins and minerals they need.
To help ensure you’re doing what you can to protect those pearly whites, you will want to incorporate these five tooth-friendly foods into your diet.
1. Almonds
Your teeth need plenty of calcium to remain strong, and almonds are one of the best sources of calcium available. There are many ways to enjoy these healthy nuts, but they’re also delicious all on their own. You just want to make sure that the ones you eat are not covered in too much salt and other additives that can make them less healthy.
Additionally, almonds are full of protein, magnesium, and vitamin E, all of which are great for supporting your oral health. Protein and magnesium contribute to building stronger teeth and tougher tooth enamel, while vitamin E can bolster your immune system to help you avoid infection.
2. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are some of the most highly regarded healthy foods there are. They’re packed with the nutrients your body needs and full of flavor to keep you coming back for more.
If you’re looking for the kinds of fruits and veggies that are particularly good for your teeth, try crunchy ones like carrots, apples, and celery. They don’t just offer nutrients for your oral health; they also help to clear infection-causing plaque from your teeth.
Keep in mind that while citrus fruits might have some of the vitamins and minerals your teeth need to stay strong and healthy, they are also highly acidic, which can wear away your tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to tooth decay.
You don’t need to avoid them entirely, but be wary of overdoing them and consider rinsing your mouth after enjoying them.
3. Seafood
It may surprise you to learn that many kinds of seafood can be great for your oral health. This is because foods like tuna, salmon, and shrimp are packed with phosphorus, which supports the production of tooth enamel. Phosphorus can also work in tandem with calcium to strengthen your teeth and bones altogether.
If you’re not the seafood type, you can find phosphorus in other sources as well, such as beef, chicken, and pork. Dairy products, tofu, and legumes can also provide phosphorus. You’ll just want to keep an eye on other elements of the foods you choose—like fat, sugar, and salt—to ensure you protect your overall health.
4. Leafy Greens
There’s a reason why general dentistry isn’t focused solely on the teeth. The gums are just as important to your oral health as other areas of your mouth. After all, they offer your teeth the support they need; that’s why you want to eat vitamin-rich foods that work to support them too.
Leafy greens like kale and spinach are loaded with vitamins and minerals, but it’s the vitamin C they offer that is most important for your gum health. This essential vitamin makes your gums stronger and can aid them in fending off infection. Eating leafy greens offers the added benefit of tooth-strengthening calcium as well.
5. Dairy Products
One of the best sources of essential nutrients for strong teeth can be dairy products. While you will want to keep in mind the fat, sugar, and salt content of some of these foods, there are plenty of healthy options available if you know where to look.
Low-fat cheese, low-fat milk, and plain yogurt offer not only a significant amount of tooth-strengthening calcium, but they also feature casein, a protein that can help develop a protective layer over your teeth.
Your diet can dictate your oral health.
While visiting the dentist regularly is vital to protecting your oral health, the steps you take to care for your teeth on your own are also critical. Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine and eating a tooth-friendly diet can help you protect your pearly whites for years to come.
The Best Dentist for Your Family’s Needs
Whether you’re choosing a midnight snack or deciding what to have for dinner, make sure your diet is full of the foundational elements of healthy teeth. By avoiding sugar and making informed food choices, you can effectively safeguard your oral health.
At Allred Family Dentistry, we take pride in providing the highest quality of dental care for families throughout Griffin and Hampton. Our professional team works with the latest technology to meet the needs of your whole family. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with a skilled dentist in Hampton, GA.