No matter your age, oral health can affect everyone and every part of our lives. Not only will having good oral health allow you to keep your natural teeth, but it can also positively impact your general health and fight off systemic diseases.
In addition to brushing twice each day and flossing every day, plus visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, you can also improve oral health by what you eat! Let’s have a look at the foods we should aim to eat to positively affect the health of our teeth and gums.
Fruits & Vegetables
You guess it – fruits and vegetables offer such a wide range of vitamins and minerals that they are great gum and teeth protectors! In addition to their nutritional value, crunching on carrots, apples, and celery are full of water to rinse the mouth and also serve as natural ways to brush the teeth to remove food particles and bacteria.
Green-Leaf Vegetables
Kale, broccoli, spinach, bok choy, and other leafy, green vegetables are rich in calcium, vitamins, minerals, and folic acid that are highly beneficial for your oral health. The vitamin C alone in these vegetables boost red blood cell production and reduce inflammation, which both help fight gum disease. By eating vegetables, we also produce more saliva that, in turn, helps flush out particles, plaque, and bacteria in the mouth.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Not many foods offer natural antibacterial agents, but shiitake mushrooms do! This natural antibacterial compound fights against plaque buildup, including in hard to reach areas like the back teeth and along the gum line. Chop up these plaque fighters and toss them in a salad or sauté them as a side dish for your dinner.
Green Tea
Antioxidant-rich green tea has been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against cavities, and stop bad breath along with other health benefits. Regularly drinking green tea provides the mouth with high levels of an antioxidant that fights tissue inflammation, frequent gum bleeding, and helps to stop other processes that result in poor oral health.
Onions
Dental cavities and gum disease are caused by bacteria in the mouth that results in growing plaque. When you eat onions raw, you are introducing powerful antibacterial agents that fight these bacteria! Top salads, burgers, and chili with onions as a natural neutralizing oral bacteria fighter.
Milk, Yogurt, & Cheese
Since we were young, we’ve been told that dairy is full of calcium and good for our teeth – and it’s true! Not only do most dairy products provide us with needed calcium, but they also contain a protein that helps to neutralize oral acids produced by bacteria. By drinking milk and eating a healthy amount of yogurt, and cheese you can keep your gums and teeth healthy!
Water
If you don’t have enough reasons to increase the amount of water you drink, add cavity prevention to the list! Drinking water is the healthiest drink option to stop teeth staining, bad breath, and rinse out the sugars that work with mouth bacteria to create acids. Water also contains a good source of fluoride, which helps fight tooth decay and cavities, especially in children.
Ready to schedule your next dental checkup or explore other options to improve your oral health and make your smile more beautiful? Barron Family Dental is here to help! Call us at (303) 284-6463 or book an appointment online to schedule an appointment for you or anyone in your family!
