Doctors, dentists, and oral surgeons often recommend the best foods for dental health because of its close connection to heart health. Here’s a list of the top 5 foods for your teeth and gums:
Dairy: Cheese, milk, and yogurts can help build stronger teeth. Dairy products have calcium, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and whey protein that help restore enamel and protect teeth from decay and erosion. Yogurt being a great probiotic and cheeses containing good bacteria maintain the pH levels in the mouth.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables provide key vitamins for healthy teeth and gums. Crunchy veggies and fruits act like a toothbrush and scrape food particles and plaque. Citrus fruits provide Vitamin C, carrots and celery provide beta carotene, and leafy greens provide iron and folic acid.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts, and cashews are good sources of protein. Nuts also provide Calcium, Zinc, Potassium, Selenium, amino acids, and Vitamin E that help maintain dental health.
Teas: Green and black teas contain polyphenols and antioxidants that protect against decay, plaque, gum disease, and gingivitis.
Meat, Fish & Soy: Meat and soy contain arginine which helps protect teeth from decay, cavities, and plaque. Fatty fish like wild salmon, tuna, Atlantic herring, and mackerel are great sources of Omega 3 fish oils and Vitamin D. They not only prevent gum disease and tooth decay but also protect against heart disease.
A nutritious, well-balanced diet and lots of water is the key foundation of good dental health.