While almost everyone knows that good nutrition is important for living a longer, you may be surprised to discover that good nutrition benefits our teeth too. It’s true! Some foods nourish our teeth as we eat them. Our teeth require nutrients just like the rest of our body, so adding these foods into your diet will help keep your smile healthy and bright. And as an added bonus: they taste delicious, too!
Cheese
Like most dairy foods, cheeses are rich in calcium, which helps build and strengthen healthy bones. Since we can’t produce our own calcium — it’s a mineral that only gets into our systems by our consuming it — and we lose it quickly, snacking on cheeses is a good way to be sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet.
Apples
An apple away may keep the doctor away but Dr. Natasha Radosavljevec in Clearwater, FL wants you to eat them too! Eating too many carbohydrates, starches, and sugary foods can eat away at your enamel due to acids they produce in our mouths. Try eating a juicy apple to satisfy your “sweet tooth” instead. Apples are loaded with vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation. So people suffering from periodontitis (gum disease) can benefit from eating apples for some extra vitamin C in their diets. If apples aren’t your thing, there are other foods rich in vitamin C, including broccoli, oranges, and green peppers.
Fish
Even though you may eat plenty of dairy, your body cannot absorb the calcium it gives without Vitamin D. Consuming foods rich in vitamin D, such as tuna and salmon, helps your body absorb the calcium it needs to build those strong teeth and bones. However there is another excellent source of vitamin D that is readily abundant and free for all: the rays of the sun! Enjoying time outside in the sun (with a good sunscreen applied) does wonders for skin, hair, nails, teeth, and more!
Oatmeal
Eating whole grain oatmeal can help lower your risk of gum disease and can also improve your overall heart health. A word to the wise, however: most pre-packaged flavored oatmeal packets are loaded with added sugar. An excess of sugar will feed the bacteria living in your mouth that destroy enamel. To keep sugar in your oatmeal at a minimum, we recommend cooking your own plain oats and adding in some berries. Or you can mix in cinnamon to sweeten it up.
Partaking of these tasty, healthy foods can not only improve your dental health, but they’re great for your entire body. Be sure to have your teeth examined regularly as part of your dental health routine by checking in with Dr. Rados! Schedule a complimentary consultation online or call 727.360.4302 today!