5 Foods That Promote Oral Health
Protecting your smile and maintaining your oral health isn’t just your dentist’s responsibility. At home, you can protect your teeth by incorporating foods into your diet that help maintain your smile’s shine, strength, and vitality. Benjamin J. Crowley, DDS, one of our top dentists at Brightwork Family Dentistry, located in Richmond, Virginia, believes you can do your part to improve your oral health with five common foods along with dedicated at-home and in-office hygiene practices.
1. Dairy
The enamel in your teeth needs plenty of calcium and protein to remain strong and healthy. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are packed with the calcium and protein your teeth crave. Cheese, in particular, raises the pH levels of your mouth, which reduces your chances of tooth decay.
2. Green Veggies
The next time you’re at the grocery store, make sure not to skip the kale and spinach. Leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that are not only good for your overall health but have proven essential to good oral health. They’re high in calcium, which is great for enamel, and also contain folic acid. Folic acid is a type of B vitamin proven valuable in preventing gum disease in pregnant women.
3. Carrots
Because carrots are high in fiber, they are one of the many non-green veggies that provide significant benefits for your teeth. If you aren’t able to brush your teeth right after eating, biting into a raw carrot will cause your mouth to produce a great amount of saliva, washing away bacteria and helping prevent cavities.
4. Apples and Pears
Similarly to carrots, apples and pears stimulate saliva production to help clean your teeth of bacteria. While apples can raise the acidity of your mouth, the saliva it produces can wash away acids. Pears. offer a more neutral pH option.
5. Nuts
Nuts contain numerous health benefits that can benefit your oral health. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews contain calcium and phosphorus that help fight bacteria that cause tooth decay. Peanuts contain vitamin D which helps strengthen bones, including your teeth and gums. Walnuts are a great source of fiber, folic acid, potassium, and zinc.
When in doubt, consuming plenty of water is always good for your oral hygiene.
You can also visit our dental team to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your smile. Our office in Richmond, Virginia offers an array of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental services so you can maintain optimal oral health. To schedule an appointment with our top dentists at Brightwork Family Dentistry, call our office or book online.