10 Foods & Drinks with Oral Health Benefits Included
Take a look at the list below of foods and drinks that actually provide you with oral health benefits. Try incorporating these foods into you and your child’s daily diet to reap all the benefits!
Yogurt, Milk, & Cheeses
Any kind of healthy dairy product provides calcium to your teeth and bones, which helps strengthen them. These dairy products are ideal because they contain vitamins and minerals while still being soft for those with teeth sensitivity.
Spinach
Any dark green leafy vegetable is not just good for your body, but good for your teeth as well! Spinach has high levels of iron and calcium to help rebuild enamel.
Almonds
Almonds can help with several dental issues. They are good for your teeth because they are a good source of calcium and protein while also being low in sugar. Sugar has a damaging effect on teeth by raising the acidity levels in the mouth and badly impacting your enamel.
Salmon
Salmon is a low fat, high protein fish. Protein helps your gums revitalize as it is needed to repair damaged muscle tissues around the body. Salmon also contains vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium, allowing for healthy teeth and bones.
Carrots
Carrots provide tons of nutrients and are most beneficial when eaten raw. Their crunchy texture can act as a natural toothbrush for your teeth, but please still brush your pearly whites with a real toothbrush! The chewing action of eating carrots can help massage your gums and improve their health and blood circulation. Keratin and vitamin A are also present in carrots which can help repair tooth enamel.
Lean Meats
Lean meats, such as chicken, is a good source of protein for your teeth and gums. Lean meats also are the right source for phosphorus, a type of mineral that helps bone production and remodeling. Without phosphorus, your teeth could end up chipping easily even if you have a high amount of calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
Celery
Celery is similar in its effect on your oral health as carrots are. They act as a natural toothbrush and contain high amounts of vitamin K and calcium. Vitamin K works to transport calcium around the body. Celery can also increase saliva production and fight off gum disease.
Green or Black Tea
Drinking green or black tea can impact your oral health due to the drink lacking sugar (provided you didn’t add any). It can also help keep saliva in your mouth while lowering its acidity and can wash away dental plaque, reduce cavities, and is a natural source of fluoride.
Apples
Apples can act as a natural toothbrush, just like carrots and celery! Apples also have low acidity. Fruits such as oranges are healthy but not always the best choice for our teeth because of their high acidity levels. Over a long period of time, this can wear down enamel. Hydrating with water regularly can help with this.
Still Water
Last but certainly not least, the best drink for your teeth is water! Over the course of your day, bacteria can build up in the mouth. Drinking water helps your saliva replenish itself and do its job of bring your mouth to a normal pH level.
Did any of these foods or drinks surprise you? As always, contact our office at 610-489-5555 with any questions or concerns you might be having about your teeth or oral health. We are here to help!
