We often tell you about the foods that are bad for your oral health, but we don’t mention enough the healthy foods, the ones that will keep your teeth healthy. We can tell you more now.
Between your visits to the dentist and regular care at home, there are foods that will give your teeth a boost. In this article, we give you insights on the main foods for healthy gums and teeth.
Dairy Products
If there are acidic and sweet foods that damage your enamel, you should know that milk and its derivatives such as yoghurt are not acidic, nor do they have a high sugar content. As a result, they are a good source of calcium, which your teeth and bones need.
Fruits
While citrus fruits and apples, for example, are highly acidic and can affect the health of your teeth, biting into fruit cleans your teeth. Generally speaking, fruit has a high-water content, which helps to clean the oral cavity.
Vegetables
In much the same way as fruit, some vegetables such as celery and cucumbers are effective at removing plaque and stimulating blood circulation in the gums.
Furthermore, vegetables rich in vitamin A can promote the health of your tooth enamel. In this category, we can mention:
- Pumpkin
- Beet
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
Sesame, Poppy and Flax Seeds
Sesame seeds are said to contain a good dose of calcium, reducing dental plaque, while poppy seeds and flax seeds ensure good oral health.
Meats
Animal protein is rich in phosphorus and calcium, contributing to the formation of teeth. Both red and white meat have beneficial effects on your oral health.
Fish
Fish is a good source of vitamin A, D and omega-3. They contribute to the health of your gums, making them less prone to inflammation and/or infection.
Cocoa
If you’re looking for a food to help prevent tooth decay, the ingredients found in cocoa will do just that. On the other hand, it’s best to eat it without sugar. We therefore recommend that you also eat dark chocolate from time to time.
Water
As you know, water is good for the whole body. In our dental context, water will help clean the oral cavity, stimulate saliva production, and hydrate your gums. The good news is that you can drink plenty of it every day.
The following figure summarizes the foods that are good for your teeth, although this list is not exhaustive:
Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth
It is often heard, whether on TV or in conversations with friends, that calcium-rich foods are best for the health of your bones and teeth. You’re not wrong to hear such comments, because there’s a good deal of truth in them.
As mentioned earlier, the best source of calcium is milk and dairy products. However, it’s good to know that there are many other foods rich in calcium, such as green leafy vegetables and fish. Add some color to your plate and keep your teeth healthy at the same time.
Nonetheless, calcium holds more benefits than one might initially assume. Vitamins D and K also play a key role in maintaining the health of your bones, and especially your teeth.
For example, vitamin D aids calcium absorption, while promoting calcium and phosphorus metabolism in your body. Remember what we said earlier about calcium and phosphorus for teeth?
As for vitamin K, it has been proven in the literature that it prevents the deposition of calcium on blood vessel walls and also contributes to good oral health. But where do we find vitamin K? It’s found in good quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage and Swiss chard.
To sum up, oral health can be maintained through regular care, the consumption of good foods and a moderate intake of sugar. Beyond these healthy practices, regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist can detect conditions not visible to the naked eye, or relieve unexpected discomfort.
Book an appointment today at Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville. A team of professionals awaits you!