8 Nutritious and Delicious Foods for Healthy Teeth All Year Long

Categories: Oral Health Tips

woman eating salad

You know how important it is to have healthy teeth. Your teeth don’t only affect your appearance, they can have a huge impact on your overall health. In order to keep your body in its best condition, it’s important to maintain your teeth.

What you eat is a significant determining factor when it comes to your dental health. If you’re eating sticky, sugary sweets all day, you may develop cavities or tooth decay, which can lead to other health problems later on. 

Problems with your teeth can eventually lead to other health issues like pneumonia, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. If you eat the right foods, you’ll not only keep your body healthy but your smile too. It’s important to be aware of foods that prevent tooth decay and avoid foods that damage teeth.

Proper dental care and eating right can prevent all sorts of issues in the future. These 8 foods can help you maintain your pearly whites and feel healthy all year long.

Water

Water is essential for your body to properly function. Up to 60% of your body is made of water, and it’s one of the most important nutrients you need to stay healthy. It’s also a key part of maintaining your dental health.

Drinking water with fluoride can greatly help prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. Most tap water in the US is treated with fluoride, so it’s very easy to find.

Water also prevents dry mouth, which is a condition that occurs when you’re low on saliva. Dry mouth not only makes you uncomfortable, but it can also cause tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water can make sure your mouth is producing the right amount of saliva to protect your teeth and gums.

Celery and Carrots

Celery is often called “nature’s toothbrush.” Its crunchy texture and fiber help keep your teeth clean and prevent plaque buildup. This texture also helps massage the gums, which can help keep your gums free from plaque and food.

Thanks to its high water content, celery is great for producing saliva and preventing dry mouth. Celery is also packed with antioxidants and can reduce inflammation while aiding digestion.

Carrots are loaded with nutrients like Vitamin C and calcium. They can help promote healthy eyes and also act as a natural toothbrush thanks to their texture. Carrots are on the sweeter side, and you can easily pair them with a bit of dip or dressing for a healthy and quick snack.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel all contain Omega-3 fish oils, which can lower blood pressure and reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. 

Fish is rich in minerals and a great way to keep a balanced diet. They’re high in phosphorus and calcium, which are essential in protecting your tooth enamel and bone density. They also contain high levels of Vitamin D, which helps your body process calcium.

Dairy Products

You don’t need to munch on vegetables all day to maintain your smile. Dairy products are not only delicious — they’re great for promoting healthy teeth.

Cheese is low in sugar but high in protein. It’s also rich in casein, which is excellent for maintaining tooth enamel. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are also very high in calcium, making them great tooth-healthy snacks.

Yogurt is high in probiotics, which can improve your gut health. Just make sure to skip out on the extra sugar — pair your yogurt with fresh fruit for a sweet and tasty treat. 

If you’re allergic to dairy, there are other options such as almond, cashew, and soy milk. These drinks are also high in calcium and protein.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, and chard are great for your teeth.

They contain nutrients and vitamins that are important for maintaining your overall health, but they’re also excellent for producing saliva and preventing tooth decay.

Leafy greens are low in calories and great for supporting a healthy diet and weight.

If you’re not too keen on munching on greens, you can include them in a smoothie or make a delicious salad.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions may not have the best reputation when it comes to your breath, but they’re beloved ingredients in many cultures around the world. They’re amazingly flavorful, and they’re welcome additions to some of your favorite dishes from pasta to mashed potatoes. 

Garlic is rich in allicin — which has antimicrobial properties. This helps fight against dental diseases like tooth decay and periodontal disease. Raw onions can help clean teeth thanks to their crunch and possess antibacterial properties that work against the bacteria that causes cavities.

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of nutrients and are low in sugar. This makes them a healthy and convenient treat. They’re packed with protein, calcium, and phosphorus.

Peanuts have high levels of Vitamin D, which helps maintain healthy bones. Cashews can help produce saliva and fight bacteria that cause tooth decay. Walnuts are rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc, and many vitamins, making them a great addition to any diet.

Whole Grains

Whole grains include foods like oatmeal, whole wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice.

Unlike simple carbs, whole grains don’t stick to your teeth and don’t increase your chance of developing cavities.

B vitamins and iron found in whole grains help keep your gums healthy, and magnesium helps keep your bones strong. Whole grains are high in fiber, and keep you feeling full and satisfied after your meal which makes it easier for you to stay at a healthy weight.

Get Your Dream Smile in 2022  

Who knew so many different foods could help your teeth? Even if you don’t like an item or 2 on the list, you’re sure to find something you can enjoy. You and your family can have flavorful and delicious meals without having to compromise on your health.

These foods are not only important for maintaining your teeth, but they also help keep your body in great shape. You can rest easy knowing you’re doing your part to maintain your smile and live a healthy life.

At Access Health Dental, we’re committed to helping you and your family get great smiles all year long. No matter what your goals are, we’ll customize your treatment to your needs.

Schedule with us today to unlock your dream smile! >