We know brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is good for oral hygiene. Also, we know eating healthy and balanced meals can improve our health. Did you know you can eat foods to improve the health of your teeth and gums? The team at Michelle Munoz, DDS, suggests some healthy goodies for your teeth and gums.
Healthy Goodies
Calcium and phosphorus work together to build strong bones and teeth. Cheese, milk, yogurt, seafood, tofu, and almonds are good sources of calcium. Eggs, pumpkin seeds, fish, red meat, and Brazil nuts are sources of phosphorus.
Vitamin D is produced when your body is in the sunlight. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption. Many people don’t get enough of this vitamin from sunlight. Wild-caught salmon, halibut, shrimp, and egg yolks are alternative sources of vitamin D.
Vitamin C can strengthen the blood vessels and reduce inflammation for healthier gums. And it’s needed for the production of collagen (a protein that helps fight gum disease). Broccoli, bell peppers, kale, oranges, kiwi, and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C.
Antioxidants fight bacteria, which can cause inflammation. They help protect your gums and other tissues from cell damage and infection. Beans, nuts, apples, berries, and raisins have antioxidants.
Probiotics are the good bacteria in your body. They help decrease plaque and promote healthy gums. Kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, yogurt, and other fermented foods contain probiotics.
Polyphenols can slow the growth of bacteria that cause plaque. They can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. The best sources for polyphenols are black tea, green tea, berries, flaxseed, and cocoa.
Crunchy vegetables and fruits help your teeth in two ways. First, the texture of crunchy fruits and vegetables clean the surfaces of your teeth, removing food particles and plaque. Second, chewing these fruits and vegetables produces more saliva, which neutralizes cavity-causing bacteria. Celery, carrots, cucumbers, apples, and pears are good choices.
Many of these foods are probably a part of your diet already, and maybe you see new foods to add to your diet. You can enjoy tasty foods that are also healthy for your teeth and gums.
Has it been longer than six months since your last dental visit? Contact our office to schedule an appointment. If you live in Uvalde, Texas, and the surrounding areas, we’d love to have you as part of our dental family.
