Foods that are Good for Your Teeth and Why

When you think about healthy foods, do you take into consideration what foods are good for your teeth? There are many foods you eat all the time that are good for your overall oral health, while others may complicate managing it. When it comes to dental health, part of your focus should be on what you are eating on a regular basis. We all know that foods that are high in sugar, like candy and soda, can increase the risk of tooth decay. This month, I’d like to share with you some foods that are good for your teeth and why.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has released information that shows a direct correlation between the foods you eat, your overall health, and your oral health. They have also released a list of healthy foods that can improve your overall dental and oral health. Here are several foods that you eat regularly that will improve your overall oral health and improve the health of your teeth.

Cheese - There are a lot of people who enjoy eating cheese, and cheese tasting groups have developed all over the world. There are a lot of different reasons to enjoy this tasty dairy product, but the American Academy of General Dentistry has released a lot of data showing that lowering the pH inside the mouth can dramatically improve overall dental health, which is exactly what cheese can do. It has also been proven that the chewing required to break down the texture of most cheeses increases the amount of saliva inside the mouth, which helps cleanse the mouth as well. Since it contains calcium and protein, the tooth enamel is strengthened as well.

Yogurt - Much like cheese, the calcium, and protein found in yogurt help strengthen your teeth. As an added benefit, the probiotics and beneficial bacteria found in yogurt improves the health of your gums and promotes the concentration of good bacteria. These good bacteria kill off the bacteria that causes cavities. It is important to choose yogurt that has no added sugar. A plain variety of yogurt is preferred, but if you prefer one with fruit, adding fresh fruit to plain yogurt is preferred to the processed fruit found in overly processed yogurts.

Leafy Greens - Leafy greens have made their way onto practically every healthy food list that exists. This is because they are rich in vitamins and minerals while being low in sugars and calories. Leafy greens like kale and spinach, improve dental and overall oral health as well. Since they are high in calcium, they help strengthen the enamel in teeth and rebuild damaged enamel. Other nutrients found in leafy greens include folic acid and vitamin B, both providing substantial health benefits. Some studies are showing that both are effective in treating gum disease in women who are pregnant. A handful of leafy greens in your salad or a little kale on a pizza can make a big difference. Many people find great benefits in adding a handful of kale to their smoothies makes a tremendous difference in their overall oral and physical health.

Apples - Even though it is recommended to limit or avoid sweet foods, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Certain fruits, like apples, are considered sweet, but they are also high in fiber and have hefty water content. Because of the structural makeup of apples, the amount of saliva increases. The additional saliva rinses away food particles.
As an additional benefit, the fibrous texture stimulates gums and promotes healthy blood flow and regeneration of tissue. So while eating an apple does not replace the action of brushing your teeth with approved fluoride toothpaste, it can provide temporary protection by scrubbing your teeth until you can brush.

Carrots - Just like apples have benefits, crunchy carrots are packed with fiber. Eating a handful of baby carrots after a meal helps increase the production of saliva, which protects your mouth and teeth. This protection and light scrubbing action reduce your risk of developing cavities. Along with being high in fiber, raw carrots are an amazing source of vitamin A. You can eat them raw by themselves, or add them to a salad to receive the same benefits.

Celery - Let's face it; celery has been given a bad reputation over the years. It can be bland, extremely watery, and the strings get stuck between your teeth. However, it provides the same dental benefits provided by carrots and apples. It scrapes food particles off of your teeth and helps provide the necessary moisture to wash away harmful bacteria. Even though it tastes pretty bland it is a rich source of vitamins A and C. Both of these antioxidants have been scientifically proven to increase the health of your gums. To provide extra flavor, you can add cheese to your celery to improve the flavor, and increase the benefits.

As you can see, there are many dental benefits to foods we eat every day and foods that we tend to avoid. By eating crunchy, fibrous foods you can help scrape hard to remove plaque from your teeth, increase saliva production, and decrease the number of harmful bacteria that is present in your mouth. It can also prevent harmful bacteria from hanging out in your mouth after you eat meals, especially when you are unable to brush your teeth.

About the Author

Dr, Marichia Attalla is a leading Periodontist in Nassau County NY. Learn more abou her services by visiting her website.