When it comes to oral health, what you eat matters. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients helps keep teeth and gums healthy and prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Learn about the top ten foods that provide significant benefits for oral health.
Oats
Oats are packed with nutrients that have been shown to promote oral health, including fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus. Oats also help lower blood sugar levels and are a good source of magnesium, which helps promote strong teeth and bones. The high phosphorus content of oats can help remineralize tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Mint
Studies have shown that mint helps kill bacteria in the mouth, leading to fresher breath and a reduced risk of cavities. Mint is often used as an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash because it fights gum disease and bad breath.
Yogurt
Yogurt is high in calcium, which is essential for strong teeth. Live cultures in yogurt support your mouth’s microbiome by fighting off harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which can cause cavities and gum disease. It also neutralizes acidic foods that can damage tooth enamel.
Apples
Eating an apple increases saliva production, which washes away food particles and bacteria. Apples are also a good source of fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. The crisp texture of apples also helps remove plaque and bacterial build-up on the surface of teeth.
Nuts
Nuts contain nutrients that protect against gum disease and tooth decay. For example, walnuts are a good source of vitamin E, which reduces inflammation in the gums; almonds contain fluoride, which prevents tooth decay; and pistachios contain lutein, which protects against gum disease.
Kiwi
Kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for producing collagen to keep gums and periodontal ligaments healthy. It also protects teeth from damage by strengthening the enamel and supports wound healing and immunity. Kiwis also contain various other minerals and vitamins necessary for oral health, including potassium, magnesium, and folate.
Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, essential for maintaining healthy gums. Vitamin C repairs and prevents damage to the connective tissues that support the teeth, and it also boosts the immune system, which can help to fight off bacterial infections. Broccoli also contains a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to kill bacteria that cause cavities and gum diseases like Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Celery
This crunchy vegetable stimulates saliva production, which can help keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. In addition, this fibrous vegetable removes plaque and food debris from teeth.
Onions
Onions contain nutrients like vitamin C, B6, folic acid, and potassium. Folic acid is crucial for red blood cell health. Without it, your gum tissue won’t receive enough oxygen and may become discolored and prone to damage. Potassium is critical for enamel remineralization and jawbone health, while vitamin B6 can reduce inflammation.
Onions also contain sulfur compounds, crucial components in forming proteins required for building teeth and gum tissue.
Raisins
Although dentists recommend against consuming too much dried fruit, raisins contain phytochemicals that help prevent cavities and reduce inflammation in the gums. They are also a good source of calcium, which is essential for keeping teeth strong.
Visit Dental Care of Plainfield for Preventative Dental Treatments
Your diet is an integral part of maintaining your oral health. However, even a balanced diet cannot prevent cavities and gum disease without proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
Visit Valley Dental Care of Plainfield for a check-up and professional cleaning twice annually for optimal oral health. Contact us at (815) 436-6800 to schedule a routine cleaning and dental exam.