Foods for Optimal Dental Health
June 10, 2022
Choosing foods that are beneficial for your teeth on a daily basis will help you avoid tooth loss, gum disease, and cavities. As stated by an expert in family dental in Sioux City, knowing which foods are excellent for the teeth can make grocery shopping and selecting nutritious snacks for your family much easier.
Food To Include in Your Shopping List
Dark Chocolate
While not all chocolates are good for your teeth, some are better than others. A good example is dark chocolate as it usually has less sugar. Likewise, it is a natural antioxidant, making it what many people refer to as a "superfood." Dark chocolate's complex molecular component is said to help with anything from weight loss to cancer prevention.
Seeds And Nuts
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flaxseed, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts, which aid to support healthy gum tissue and fight periodontal disease. They are also high in fiber. These nuts and seeds are also terrific for your heart and can help lower your "bad" cholesterol as an added bonus. Instead of candied or flavored nuts, opt for mildly salted, plain, or dry roasted nuts.
Low-Fat Proteins
Phosphorus is found in eggs, chicken, fish, and other protein-rich foods, and it is beneficial to teeth. Bonus: fish contains omega-3 fatty acids! Taking an omega-3 supplement or eating fish may help your gums heal more quickly after gum disease treatment. Cod, salmon, and mackerel are some of the top fish items with the greatest omega-3 amounts.
Green Tea
Foods that strengthen your teeth don't always have to be something you eat. They can also be beverages! One example is green tea. It includes natural antibacterial compounds that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by limiting and potentially even eliminating the harmful bacteria that cause them.
Green tea also contains natural fluoride. Keep in mind, though, that green tea includes tannins, which can cause tooth discoloration.
Apples
Apples, like carrots, give crisp, fibrous stimulation to your teeth and gums, which helps to naturally reduce plaque development in your mouth. Apples are an excellent choice if you're searching for a snack that's both portable and good for your teeth.
The chewing and crushing activities that occur when you consume an apple or other foods akin to it encourage saliva production. Additionally, increased saliva reduces overall tooth decay rates, flushes bacteria away, and neutralizes acids.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Fresh, leafy greens are high in folic acid (which can help prevent gum disease) and calcium. They help in reducing your cavity risk by strengthening your teeth and naturally lowering plaque levels in your mouth. Fluoride levels are naturally greater in produce such as Swiss chard and lettuce. As for calcium-rich foods, you can try out kale, broccoli, and collard greens. Although some greens are best eaten raw, if you prefer the flavor and texture of cooked greens, you can still reap the nutritious benefits.
Cheese and Yogurt
Calcium is fundamental for the development of healthy teeth and bones. It is required by your teeth in the same way that fluoride is required. Cheese, such as cheddar, can also help lower the risk of tooth decay, promote a healthy oral environment, and neutralize acidic pH levels in the mouth.
Get More Advice from an Expert in Family Dental in Sioux City
The foods listed above can also help maintain a healthy dental environment balance in your mouth by encouraging the development of good bacteria while restricting the growth of bad bacteria. For more information, contact us!