Have you ever wondered what are the best foods for a healthy smile? We all know what foods foods are very horrible but what are those amazing foods that can bring your smile to wonders. The phrase that comes to mind as I write this blog post, is you really are what you eat. With the great discussion with Dr. Vi here at our Las Vegas dental office, we have compiled a list of some very healthy foods that are not just great for your diet but very good for your teeth, gums and your mouth.
Cheese
Cheese has so many great health benefits for your teeth such that it is low in sugar and high in calcium. It has casein, which is a specific protein that is deemed useful for fortifying tooth enamel. The high levels of calcium help maintain bone density. Did you know that cheese is high in phosphate content which is key to balance ph levels in your mouth which preserve tooth enamel. By the way chewing cheese also helps increase saliva production which washes mouth bacterias.
Yogurt
No matter the type of yogurt, whether it be the greek yogurt or the regular yogurts, it’s all stuff with calcium and probiotics that protect your teeth against cavities and gum disease. Another plus from yogurt is it lowers the chance you getting bad breath.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the dentist away.
Celery
Celery has been nicknamed nature’s dental floss, and it clearly has that name for the best of reasons as it’s crunch texture is a natural tooth cleaner. Yes we know it is a very bland, watery and stringy vegetable but it truly is a natural toothbrush scraping bateria away from your teeth. It is also packed with vitamin a and c as well as gum health antioxidants.
Carrots
This magical vegetable when combined with saliva is used to wash away stain causing bacteria and food. It’s best to eat raw, cold, crunchy carrots at the very end of your meal like a dessert. They are also packed with vitamin C, calcium and keratins which provide other dental benefits. Carrots make your teeth whiter.
Kale, Spinach, & Lettuce
Besides the loads of health benefits from leafy green veggies we hear so much about; did you know kale and spinach treat pregnant women from gum disease. The folic acid in these green gems are important for gum health and love.
Cashews, Walnuts & Almonds
Besides the calcium which we covered earlier in this write up, these great hand held snacks help fight bacteria that is inside of your mouth. That bacteria leads to cavities and gum disease…so grab some cashews and protect your teeth. Cashews also are filled with stimulate saliva and walnuts contain everything from fiber, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, iron, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium and zinc.
Shiitake Mushrooms
These shitake mushrooms contain a poly-saccharide called lentinan, which prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth and they offer anti-microbial properties for fighting tooth decay.
Whole Grain Breads & Pastas
Whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, oatmeal and other whole grains are healthier choices because they have complex carbohydrates which give bacteria less digestible food for them to grow. Plus, they offer plenty of other nutrients that actively help your teeth and gums to stay healthy.
Meat
Meath offers the most important nutrients mentioned above, and chewing meat produces saliva. And more saliva is good, because it decreases acidity in your mouth and washes away particles of food that lead to decay.
Fish
Fish is loaded with phosphorus, an important mineral for protecting tooth enamel.
Garlic
It’s not going to fight bad breath but it does have allicin that helps fight tooth decay and especially periodontal disease.
Coffee
Yes, coffee has dental health benefits and it is not teeth whitening though. Lol. Coffee contains Polyphenols are a category of chemicals that naturally occur in many of the foods and drinks we consume, including teas and coffee. Starbucks contains antioxidants, which can combat cell damage, as well as their effects on reducing gum inflammation and helping to fight gum and oral cancers.
Cranberries and Raisins
Cranberries are also rich in polyphenols (just like tea) and provide antioxidant benefits. Fresh cranberries are especially effective at disrupting the process of plaque formation.
Other foods that made the list:
Sweet Potatoes, Kiwis, Broccoli, Strawberries —