5 Foods That Benefit Your Oral Health

You brush and floss to get rid of the bits of food lurking in the spaces between your teeth. But what if the foods you ate worked with your toothbrush instead of against it? While it might seem counterintuitive, there are several foods that can give your oral health a boost.

Dr. Indra Quagliata at Smylique Dentistry is dedicated to helping you find your best and most healthy smile with her expert advice. 

The power of nutrients

Although you’ve been told that brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep your smile bright and healthy, you’re missing out on other oral health supplements if you’re not eating the right kinds of foods. You need the power of nutrients and vitamins, that can only be found in food, to make your teeth as healthy as they can be.

The five best simile-supporting foods

You know there are lots of foods that are good for your overall health. Well, those same foods are actually great for your dental health as well. The nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and other substances that boost your immune system, clear your skin, and help you lose weight can also strengthen your teeth.

Here are the five foods to eat if you want a healthy smile: 

1. Dairy products

Cheese, milk, and other dairy products are some of the best foods to eat if you’re concerned about dental health. They contain high levels of calcium which support your bone density, and casein which strengthens your teeth’s enamel. 

Cheese is especially beneficial because it stimulates your body’s saliva product which helps to wash away any bacteria in your mouth. The phosphates in cheese also work to stabilize your mouth’s pH balance.

2. Leafy green vegetables

The most popular leafy green vegetable is spinach. Spinach has endless health benefits. The vitamins and minerals in spinach support just about every system in your body including your teeth. Similar vegetables like lettuce and kale are just as powerful and work to scrub your teeth clean as your chew. 

3. Crunchy vegetables

Speaking of oral health-boosting veggies, crunchy vegetables like celery are considered to be nature’s floss. Celery cleans your teeth in hard to reach places as you chew. Its high water content makes you salivate and get rid of any hiding bacteria as well. 

Carrots, celery’s orange cousin, has similar teeth-cleaning capabilities and is packed with vitamin C and other nutrients that support healthy teeth.

4. Cranberries

Cranberries are small pouches stuffed with nutrient and mineral power. These tiny fruits are rich in antioxidants that reduce bacteria growth on your teeth and gums. This prevents you from developing serious dental problems like cavities and gum disease. 

5. Meat and fish

Red meat is great for your oral hygiene because it stimulates your saliva production. Your mouth is naturally rid of bacteria, so there’s less work for your toothbrush to do. Eating meat also reduces the acidity in your mouth and the chances of developing issues with tooth decay. 

If you’re more partial to fish, you can still get similar oral health benefits. For example, salmon has an important substance called phosphorus. This mineral enhances your teeth’s enamel which protects the important nerves and blood vessels inside your teeth. 

Since you were a kid, you’ve been told to eat well and brush your teeth. The message hasn’t changed. The best thing you can do for your smile is to live a healthy lifestyle, maintain a consistent dental hygiene routine, and most importantly, schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with Dr. Quagliata.

If you'd like to schedule your first cleaning or want additional information, contact our office today or schedule an appointment online.