Like any other body part or organ, teeth are equally important for us. This is the reason why we need to take really good care of them. Brushing daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, scraping the tongue, and using good quality mouthwash, can help attain good oral health.
In short you need to put in a lot of effort to have a bright smile. However, despite taking really good care of their oral hygiene, a few people might still fall prey to tooth decay and gum diseases. The major reason behind this may lie in the kind of food people consume.
More often than not, we see the food as the villain when it comes to oral hygiene. Besides, all the sugars and acids from the foods and drinks that we consume does the maximum damage to our teeth.
On the contrary though, there are several types of food that can give a big boost to your oral health. They are popularly known as superfoods and they not only prevent cavities and periodontal diseases but even freshen your breath and whiten the teeth.
Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet from all the food groups can help promote healthy teeth and gums. A balanced diet which has a proper mix of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains provides all the essential nutrients for good oral as well as overall health.
Keeping a smart snacking habit also can keep your teeth in good shape. You can avoid the urge to snack frequently – the more frequently you eat, especially in between the meals, the more likely you are to introduce acid attacks on your teeth.
If you really want to snack, then do it sensibly. Skip sugary treats such as hard or sticky candies and opt for nutritious choices such as fruits, plain yogurt, and popcorn. Remember to brush after snacking to keep cavities away. If you can’t brush, then just rinse your mouth with water to get rid of food particles. For complete dental solutions, visit specialists at who can help with dental implants Irving TX.
To help you further, we have gathered a list of food items that are good for your oral health:
- Foods rich in Calcium and Phosphorous
Calcium-containing foods include yogurt, cheese, seafood, milk (low-fat), tofu, almonds, etc. Phosphorus-containing foods are pumpkin seeds, fish, Brazil nuts, red meat, eggs, tofu, broth. These can help improve your oral hygiene.
- Firm, Crunchy Foods High in Water
Hard, crunchy foods that contain lots of water are good for your teeth. Chewing on these foods produces more saliva, which is the best natural neutralizer of the bacteria that causes cavities. The texture of these types of foods also makes them naturally abrasive, so they gently scrub and clean teeth surfaces, removing plaque and food particles, thus leaving your teeth clean naturally.
- Foods that are rich in vitamin D
Vitamin D is very important. It is crucial for your overall health, and it is one of the main ingredients for healthy teeth as well. It helps the body to absorb calcium better. The sources of vitamin D are sunlight. Well, since you can’t really eat sunlight, you can opt for other sources of vitamin D such as fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, etc.
- Foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and reduces inflammation, which may help your gums stay healthier. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, which is an important protein that helps you fight periodontal disease. Without vitamin C, the gums can become sensitive and vulnerable to the bacteria, causing periodontal disease. Bell peppers, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, kale, etc. are rich in this vitamin.
- Foods that are rich in antioxidants
When it comes to health benefits, antioxidants undoubtedly top the list. Antioxidants fight the bacteria that cause inflammation and other diseases. They help protect gums and your teeth from cell damage and infection.
The list of Superfoods includes the following items:
1) Cheese: it’s rich in calcium and can lower acid levels in your mouth
2) Milk: it is rich in calcium
3) Water: it helps in washing food particles and keeps your saliva levels high
4) Leafy greens (spinach, broccoli, kale) are rich in calcium, folic acid and lots of important vitamins and minerals that your teeth and gums love.
5) Fish (fatty fishes, wild salmon, tuna) is rich in minerals and important vitamins.
6) Meat: Eating meat is great for your oral health. Meat products are packed with important nutrients. Red meat and animal organs are very beneficial for your overall and oral health.
7) Black and Green Tea: Polyphenols in tea can help reduce bacteria and toxic products in the mouth. Tea is rich in fluoride, which is very important for your teeth. It’s best if you drink it unsweetened as sugar and honey both can harm your oral health.
8) Nuts: Nuts are highly beneficial for your oral health. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews can help fight bacteria that lead to oral health issues.
9) Fresh cranberries: Rich in polyphenols, cranberries can help keep plaque at bay, thus lowering the risk of cavities. We are emphasizing on consuming fresh cranberries because they can effectively disrupt the process of plaque formation.
12) Strawberries: For perfect teeth, strawberries are one of the key ingredients. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and malic acid, which even naturally whiten your teeth.
13) Yogurt: It’s packed with calcium and probiotics that protect you against cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath.
14) Carrots: Carrots are tasty and contain several important minerals and vitamins to promote good oral health.
A diet that promotes good oral health is not just about the foods you eat or avoid. How you eat them is equally important. One great way to protect your teeth is by eating raw foods at the end of meals.
For complete dental solutions visit a good cosmetic family dentistry Irving, and give your teeth the treatment and care they deserve.