A Delicious Diet for Dental Health

With a constant barrage of off-limits food items that are bad for our teeth, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole list of foods that will actually help improve your dental health. One of the best ways to practice preventative dental care, is to eat a low-sugar, high-fiber diet. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins- both meat and plant-based sources, and dairy products, are all foods that will help maintain, and even improve your dental health. Whole foods are not only what’s best for your body, they’re best for your dental health as well.

Fruits and veggies are good for your teeth for a whole bunch of reasons. The vitamin C and D present in so many of them, has been proven to reduce oral infections and inflammation. Some fruits and vegetables like kale, oranges, and spinach, also contain calcium, which is notorious for bone and teeth health. Another dental health benefit to eating fruits and vegetables, is that they act as natural cleaners. Fresh fruits and vegetables, contains a great deal of water, acting as a rinsing agent on teeth. Eating fruits and vegetables also cause a great deal of salivation, additionally rinsing teeth. The high fiber content found in fresh produce, helps to scrub away plaque and bacteria. Malic acid, which whitens teeth, is also found in citrus fruits, grapes, and strawberries. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will make your doctor and your dentist happy.

Lean proteins, both plant-based, and animal based, contain minerals that are essential for bone and teeth health. Chicken, fish, lean-cuts of beef, beans, and peas, are all good to eat if you’re concerned about maintaining your dental health. These foods all contain magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are all great for your teeth. Lean proteins are also good for your muscles, and for helping control your appetite by making you feel full for longer. Part of preventative dental care is eating the right foods, and lean proteins are good for your dental health.

 Calcium and vitamin D (which helps the body absorb calcium,) are both key elements in keeping teeth healthy. Calcium helps by strengthening teeth and bones, making them more impervious to decay and other dental health issues. As mentioned earlier, vitamin D helps reduce inflammation and infection in patients with chronic gingivitis. Dairy products are a great way to get both calcium and vitamin D. Consuming your recommended daily amount of dairy products is a delicious and easy way to practice preventative dental care.

Preventative dental care doesn’t have to be bland and boring! With a number of additional foods suggested to help protect your teeth, taking care of your teeth can be delicious. Processed foods are bad for every part of your health. Dental health is no different, so avoid sugary processed food products to maintain optimum health. If you stick to foods that have gone through minimal processing, like fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and yogurt, or lean proteins, you’ll be making a wise choice for your whole body.