Dental Health 101: Foods That Are Actually Good For Your Teeth
You’ve probably been hearing about foods that are bad for your teeth since you were a little kid. Candy, cookies, sticky things, acidic things…we’ve all learned to eat them in moderation if we want to keep our teeth as healthy as possible.
With the long list of foods to avoid for our dental health, many of us wonder: are there foods out there that are actually beneficial for our teeth?
It turns out, there are.
Keep reading to learn about some of the foods that can benefit your teeth, gums and mouth.
Leafy Greens and High Fiber Fruits
Have you ever heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well, it turs out an apple may keep the dentist away, too.
Leafy green vegetables and fibrous fruits like apples can help balance the pH in your mouth. These foods can also increase saliva production--a vital part of maintaining a balanced, clean mouth and healthy teeth.
If you read our post about holiday foods that are terrible for your teeth , you know that sugar can throw off the pH in your mouth, causing harmful bacteria to multiply. This can lead to tooth decay.
With high fiber fruits and vegetables, the opposite happens. Because these foods have high water content and lots of vitamins and minerals, they can help rebalance your mouth’s pH. Plus, many fruits and veggies have a decent amount of vitamin C, which can contribute to faster healing and improved gum health.
Sugar-Free Yogurt, Cheese + Other Calcium-Rich Foods
Recent research has shown that certain dairy products are actually beneficial for your dental health. Cheese, in particular, has been shown to help prevent tooth decay.
A recent study from
The Academy of General Dentistry showed that cheese increases saliva production in the mouth, causing the pH of the mouth to increase. This provides protection from the acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Fish With High-Fat Content
Did you know that your favorite seafood could actually help improve your dental health? Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna are high in vitamin D and will help you absorb calcium. Both vitamin D and calcium are essential for healthy bones and healthy gums.
Want more tips on taking care of your teeth and gums?
Check out the Patriot Family Dental blog for regular updates!
