7 foods that can help your teeth stay healthy

What you eat is very important for keeping your teeth healthy. Even though you should brush and floss your teeth every day, the foods you eat can also affect how strong and healthy they are. Eating the right foods can help keep your teeth healthy by preventing cavities, strengthening enamel, and boosting overall dental health. These seven foods will help your teeth stay healthy and your smile look better.

Foods made from milk, cheese, and yogurt

Calcium and phosphates, which are found in large amounts in dairy products, help keep bones and tooth enamel strong. Cheese in particular helps your mouth make more saliva, which gets rid of germs. Probiotics found in yogurt can help get rid of bad bacteria in your mouth.

“Dairy and other foods high in calcium are important for keeping teeth and gums healthy,” says Dr. Craig Lazenby of Lazenby Dental in Destin, Florida. They give your teeth the nutrients they need to stay strong and resistant to decay.

Foods that are crunchy, like apples, carrots, and celery, Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy can help clean your teeth and make your gums feel better. Apples, carrots, and celery all have a lot of water and fiber, which helps keep your blood sugar levels in check and cleans your mouth.  Chewing these foods makes you salivate more, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale

Plus, they’re full of good things for you, like calcium, folic acid, vitamin C, and more. These nutrients help keep gums healthy and stop gum disease from happening. The fiber content also helps digestion and your health in general.

Leafy greens are a great way to add extra nutrients to smoothies, salads, or sandwiches.

Nuts (walnuts, almonds, and cashews)

Nuts are a great way to get calcium and healthy fats, which make teeth stronger and reduce swelling. Almonds have a lot of calcium, and walnuts and cashews have nutrients that are good for your gums.

Tip: For a healthy snack, eat a handful of unsalted nuts.

Fish that are high in fat, like salmon, mackerel, and sardines

A lot of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can be found in fatty fish. These are both important for keeping your bones and teeth strong. It lowers your risk of tooth decay and gum disease because vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium better.

Why It Matters: Omega-3s also help keep gums from getting inflamed, which can help keep periodontal disease at bay.

Tea with greens

Green tea has a lot of antioxidants and polyphenols that help keep your mouth healthy by lowering the amount of bacteria and swelling there. By getting rid of bad bacteria, it can also help keep you from getting cavities and gum disease.

If you want to take care of your teeth, drink some unsweetened green tea.

Strawberries

Berries are full of vitamin C and malic acid, which can help whiten your teeth without using drugs. Getting enough vitamin C is important for keeping your gums healthy and preventing gum disease.

Strawberries can be eaten whole or mashed and used as a natural teeth-whitening scrub (just make sure to rinse well afterward).

What you eat affects your oral health

The right food in the right amounts is good for your teeth and gums and for your health as a whole. These foods can help keep your teeth healthy by preventing cavities, making enamel stronger, and lowering your risk of gum disease.

“What you eat has a direct effect on your oral health,” says Dr. Craig Lazenby. Because they are high in nutrients, these foods will help your teeth stay strong and healthy.

Our goal at Lazenby Dental in Destin, Florida is to help you get and keep a healthy smile. Our team cares about your oral health and is here to help you with anything from basic dental care to more in-depth procedures. Make an appointment with us right away to find out how to keep your teeth healthy and strong.