Eating the right foods is vital to your oral health. Teeth and eating always go together, and healthy teeth are one of the best measures of your overall health. You already know that sugary and acidic foods are bad for your teeth. However, do you also know which foods are beneficial to your oral health and which foods can help in strengthening your teeth?
Add these tasty foods into your daily diet and strengthen your teeth at the same time.
Avocados are one popular food these days, and it’s easy to see why. Avocados can improve your health, and they are also great for your dental health too.
Fiber. Avocado flesh is full of prebiotic fiber that promotes healthy digestion. These types of fiber feed probiotic bacteria in your oral and gut microbiome.
Healthy Fats. Avocados are also packed full of critical fatty acids. These fats help you to absorb the fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins E, C, B5, B12, and vitamin K1. Healthy fats also keep you full for a more extended period.
This tangy fermented milk drink first originated in the Middle East. It is excellent for your overall health and is a powerhouse for your oral health. Kefir is a rich source of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Similar to a probiotic yogurt, kefir is exceptional for healthy digestion, gut health, and can also have benefits for your teeth. The lactobacillus bacteria in kefir is thought to inhibit tooth decay-causing bacteria, and eating fermented foods regularly can help prevent tooth decay.
Look at any list of healthy foods, and you’re sure to see leafy greens included. Beyond being generally good for your health, they can also help to strengthen your teeth. Leafy greens are full of vitamins and calcium, helping to reinforce the enamel of your teeth. They are also full of folic acid which can help to prevent gum disease. Adding a handful of greens to your smoothies is a great way to get extra fiber into your diet.
While apples are known for their high sugar content, they also contain a high amount of water and fiber. Eating an apple causes your mouth to produce saliva, which rinses away harmful bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, the texture of an apple can help stimulate the gums.
Not only is it a delicious and flavorful vegetable, but asparagus is also a great source of prebiotic fiber. The fiber found in asparagus feed your probiotic digestive flora, and adding asparagus to your diet gives your body a considerable boost of fiber. A healthy gut microbiome is essential to maintaining your oral health.
You might not think of good health when it comes to eating butter, but it’s actually one of the best foods for healthy teeth. The saturated fat in butter releases hormones that keep you full, satisfied, and won’t spike your blood sugar. Butter is also a good source of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and Vitamin K2.
When you drink milk, it raises the pH level in your mouth which lowers acid levels and reduces the risk of tooth decay. Calcium is beneficial to your body in many ways. It mixes with plaque and sticks to teeth, further protecting them from lingering acid. Calcium also repairs damaged enamel and strengthens the bones around your teeth, making them more resistant to periodontal disease.
This fermented cabbage is full of live probiotic cultures for healthy digestion. These microbiotas manage your dental and gut health. Not only are these healthy bacteria good for your gut, they are also good for your teeth. Studies have shown that lactic acid releasing bacteria inhibit disease-causing bugs. This helps your body to prevent tooth decay naturally!
Not only does it add delicious flavor to food, but garlic is also perfect for your oral health. Loaded with antibacterial properties, garlic is also good for strong teeth. The prebiotic fiber will help your gut health, and a healthy gut leads to healthy teeth and gums.
Similar to apples, eating raw vegetables like carrots and celery can help to scrape away pieces of food and keep bacteria off your teeth. Celery contains a good amount of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can help to improve your gum health. Carrots can help reduce the risk of cavities by increasing saliva production in your mouth.
Eating foods for healthy teeth has never tasted so good! Have any questions regarding your diet and how it affects your oral health? Let Hoffman Dental Care know at your next appointment.
