Top 10 Foods That Improve Your Dental and Oral Health

Excellent oral hygiene and routine dental checkups are key to optimal dental and oral health. However, that’s not all. Your diet also plays a significant role in your dental health. For instance, most people know that eating too many sweets can increase the risk of cavities or tooth caries.

Top foods you can incorporate into your diet for optimal dental and oral health

Sugars in sweets encourage the growth of harmful oral bacteria that release toxins that erode teeth and irritate the gums,causing decay and gum disease. In this article, let’s explore the various foods you can incorporate into your diet for optimal dental and oral health.

1. Nuts

Healthy nuts like almonds, peanuts, macadamia, Brazil nuts, and walnuts are rich in calcium, folic acid, thiamine, magnesium, niacin, zinc, vitamin E and B6, and proteins, which help strengthen your teeth and promote gum health. Nuts are also high in healthy fats and fiber, which promote overall well-being. Chewing nuts can also help remove plaque build-up on the teeth and stimulate saliva production, helping you maintain the health of your teeth and mouth.

2. Dairy products 

Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are high-calcium foods. They are high in proteins and essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous that help remineralize and strengthen your teeth and bones. Additionally, dairy products stimulate saliva production, which helps balance mouth pH and wash away bacteria and debris from your mouth. This significantly lowers your risk of dental problems.

3. Leafy greens

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli are excellent foods for healthy gums. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy teeth and gums and reduce oral inflammation. Leafy greens also contain fiber, stimulating saliva stimulation and inhibiting harmful oral bacteria.

4. Fish

Salmon and other fatty fish like mackerel, tuna, and sardines are rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3, which promote optimal oral health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb vital nutrients like calcium, remineralizing and strengthening your teeth. Other foods rich in vitamin D include beef liver and dairy. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory abilities that can help prevent gum disease.

5. Crunchy fruits and vegetables

Chewing crunchy fruits and vegetables like broccoli, apples, carrots, cucumber, and celery can help clean teeth and remove plaque and debris. These fruits and veggies are also high in fiber and water, promoting saliva production. Enough water saliva is essential to balance the pH and wash away bacteria, acids, and debris. These foods are also rich in essential nutrients that promote oral and overall well-being.

6. Green tea

Green tea and coffee are excellent drinks for healthy gums, teeth, and well-being. Green tea contains catechins and antioxidants that help fight inflammation and kill bacteria, helping protect against tooth decay and gum disease. Tea also stimulates saliva production, helping wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth. If possible, skip the sugar and milk, as it can lower the overall benefits of green tea.

7. Foods high in fluoride

Fluoride helps restore the lost minerals in your enamel, strengthening your teeth and protecting them from cavities. While you can get fluoride from toothpaste and professional fluoride treatments, certain foods are also excellent sources of fluoride. These include fish, cheese, tomatoes, carrots, beets, canned beans and pork, and shellfish.

8. Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are high in lentinan, which contains antimicrobial properties that help fight harmful oral bacteria, lowering your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Mushrooms also have vitamin D, which assists your body in absorbing calcium which is crucial for healthy teeth and bones.

9. Lean proteins

Lean proteins are excellent foods for strong teeth and healthy gums. Lean protein sources like lentils, eggs, chicken, and turkey are rich in phosphorous, strengthening your teeth and promoting oral health.

10. Whole grains

Whole grains are great sources of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which keeps your teeth and bones strong. Eating whole grains also stimulates saliva production, reducing the risk of gum inflammation and tooth decay. Common whole grains include quinoa, oats, and brown rice.

Final Verdict

Incorporating these dental health foods into your diet is an excellent way to promote strong and healthy teeth and gums. For more information about dental health and cosmetic dentistry in Lexington, contact Lexington Dental Group to book your consultation with our Lexington dentist near you.