Every day we take care to brush our teeth, aiming at a healthy smile. We take care to avoid sugary foods, and high acid drinks as well. A bit of floss and a twice-a-day mouthwash finishes our routine. We now get to go to bed knowing we all we could for a healthy smile. But did we? There’s more to oral health than avoiding the wrong foods and a good routine. There are also vitamins and minerals that our teeth need to keep healthy and strong. Most of our readers are probably thinking ‘I get enough dairy’ right now. That’s just the beginning, however.
Maintaining Good Oral Health Means Picking The Right Foods
Not just avoiding the wrong ones. The world is overflowing with foods that are good for our teeth. Some of them even serve as a good supplement for fluoride. Dairy is just the beginning of our journey. There are also vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein-bearing foods. All of these together do more than support our body, they keep it looking great!
So what foods should you consider eating to improve oral health?
- Foods Rich In Calcium – Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? Cheese, yogurt, milk, and fortified milks are a great start. Salmon, almonds, tofu, and even some vegetables are good sources.
- Phosphorous – One of the significant components of our bones, and our teeth is phosphorous. It can be found in beans, dairy, fish, eggs, and even lean meats.
- Vitamin C – While it’s benefit for colds is a myth, our gums absolutely require it. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and peppers are all excellent sources.
- Vitamin D – Getting enough sun may tan your skin, but it keeps your teeth white! Vitamin D is central to the health of our gums and battling periodontal disease. A little time in the sun can get you what you need. Of course, milk, dairy, and supplements are good sources too.
With all these wonderful foods added to your diet, you can eat what you want, right? Unfortunately not. While these will all help your mouth stay in fantastic shape, moderation is called for. Sugary treats are unfortunately still not going to help your teeth. It would be helpful if you also avoided the following:
- Sweets Of All Kinds – Sugars are one of the easiest things to turn into acids. Streptococcus mutans, the organism responsible for tooth decay, thrive on it. If you want to snack on a sugary sweet, choose chocolate. It’s not better for you, but it does wash off the teeth easier.
- Starchy Foods – Especially those that get into the hidden spots in your mouth. These include chips, soft, chewy bread, and anything else that likes to stick around. Flossing helps, but the food debris does its work until you do.
Learn More From Your Dental Health Care Provider
This list of foods, both good and bad, is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s an immense amount of great food in the world. Your dentist will be able to help you determine which ones are good for your oral health, and which to avoid. Just call for your next appointment today!
