Whether you’re trying to teach your kids how to take good care of their teeth, or you’re trying to pick up some pointers for yourself, you’ve come to the right place to learn about some of the best food for healthy teeth and gums. You always hear about what not to eat and drink to protect your teeth — things like raisins, candy, soda, ice cream and even coffee. But what types of food should you eat?
Below are some oral health and nutrition tips you can start using right away. Start munching on these foods to improve your dental health a little every day.
Foods and Beverages High in Calcium
To keep your teeth strong for years to come, it’s important that you include plenty of calcium in your diet. Supplementing with calcium tablets and multivitamins can be helpful, but getting your calcium from the regular foods in your diet is even better.
Here’s a list of some foods and beverages that are high in calcium. Be sure to consume one or more of these every day, if not in every meal.
– milk
– cheese
– yogurt
– broccoli
– raw or roasted nuts
– beans and lentils
– tofu
– orange juice fortified with calcium
– plant-based milk fortified with calcium
Juicy Fruits and Vegetables
Another excellent choice for building strong teeth and healthy gums are foods with high water volume. These would include fruits and veggies like apples, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelon, and pears.
Foods that have a high water content help to wash away the bits of food that stick to your teeth and gums. These food particles act as a food source for the harmful bacteria that live in your mouth and damage your teeth, so removing their primary food source is a step in the right direction.
These fibrous foods also have a scrubbing effect on your teeth, assuming you bite into them rather than simply having them cut up into small pieces. For example, when biting into an apple, you can sometimes feel the fruit’s flesh rubbing your teeth clean as you chew.
Sugar-Free Snacks and Drinks
Since reducing sugary foods and drinks is a great way to protect your teeth, it stands to reason that replacing those items with sugar-free versions can help prolong the life of your teeth.
There are plenty of sugar-free gum, mints, and snack foods on the market today. Sugar-free drinks and sodas are also a better choice than their sugary counterparts. Best of all are natural foods and beverages that contain no sugar such as water, veggie juices, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, and celery sticks.
Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Most of the battle is won by simply brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals and snacks. But eating the best food for healthy teeth and gums and avoiding high-sugar and high-carb foods and drinks also has a place too. Memorize the foods and drinks listed above and make sure to stock up on them the next time you head to the grocery store.
If you are interested in learning more about proper oral health care or have any questions, reach out to Mountain View Dental. We have a comfortable and professional office and a team who is always willing to help you feel your best about your smile. Schedule an appointment today.
