Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly are all important parts of keeping your oral health in good shape. But your diet also has more of an impact on the health of your mouth than you may realize. These foods are some of the best things you can consume for the health of your smile.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t only good for your oral health, they’re good for your entire body. They contain so many nutrients that are beneficial for your bones and teeth. Carrots in particular have a lot of vitamin C and calcium, both essential for the health of your teeth. Vitamin C helps the development of tissue and has antioxidant properties.
Many raw fruits and vegetables are crunchy and fibrous. Chewing them gets in between your teeth and helps to dislodge particles. The amount of chewing increases the production of saliva in your mouth too. Saliva is extremely important in your mouth. It washes away food particles and bacteria away from your smile.
Water
Water is the best thing you can drink for your smile. It doesn’t contain any harmful sugars or acids that can do harm to your teeth. It’s the best way to keep your mouth hydrated, too. It works alongside saliva to make sure bacteria is washed away from your smile.
If you live in the United States and drink tap water, it’s probably fortified with fluoride. Fluoride is a natural way to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Drinking fluoridated water helps to boost that tooth enamel each time you take a sip. Contrary to some myths, fluoride isn’t dangerous in the amounts you’ll experience in your water.
Dairy Products
Many of us were told as kids to drink milk because it makes our bones grow. All dairy products are rich in calcium, an element that does help strengthen your bones and teeth. Dairy products also have a high phosphate count. This helps to counteract acids in your mouth so that they don’t cause tooth decay.
Chewing cheese is another way to help increase saliva production because of its texture. In addition to the other benefits already mentioned, yogurt is also filled with probiotics. Probiotics protect you from things like gum disease and bad breath.
Nuts
Different nut varieties contain different beneficial nutrients. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews all contain properties that fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Peanuts and almonds both have a lot of calcium and vitamin C in them. Cashews help to spur saliva production and walnuts contain a wealth of different nutrients.
Get a Checkup at Your Hoffman Estates, IL Dentist
Make sure your diet isn’t having detrimental impacts on your oral health. Our staff can help you put together a food plan that’s beneficial for your oral health. Call us or schedule an appointment online.
