The Top 5 Foods to Eat for Better Oral Health
Proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet are essential to good overall health. They’re also key components of good oral health. While you probably already know that you can limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks to help protect the health of your teeth. But do you know that there are actually lots of foods you can consume to actively improve your oral health? To start improving your oral health with your diet, consider eating the following top five foods for oral health.
The Top 5 Foods for Improving Oral Health
1. Dairy
Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt are rich in calcium, and calcium is a mineral that is essential for strengthening tooth enamel. Additionally, dairy products contain enzymes that can actually help to fight harmful bacteria that live inside the mouth. As a result, they actually protect your teeth and gums from tooth decay and periodontal disease.
2. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish contain two nutrients essential to oral health: vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin D works with other vitamins to deliver minerals to the hard structures of your teeth. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and improve gum health.
3. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are high in minerals that help to strengthen your teeth from within. They are also considered oral prebiotics, as they contain nutrients that the healthy bacteria inside your mouth use for energy. So, eating leafy greens supports a healthier microbiome.
4. Nuts
Nuts contain a combination of minerals and healthy fats that support the teeth and immune system.
5. Berries
Within the whole spectrum of fruits, berries are relatively low in sugar and less acidic especially when comparing them to citrus fruits. This means they present less of a risk to your tooth enamel. They’re also high in vitamin C which has been shown to strengthen connective tissues and blood vessels inside the mouth (stronger gums). Additionally, vitamin C supports the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation and combat harmful bacteria inside the mouth.
Schedule a Dental Checkup at Cardinal Dental
In addition to eating a healthy diet, routine preventive dental care is also essential to achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. We recommend that most adults and children visit the dentist at least once every six months for a professional dental cleaning (scaling and polishing their teeth) and an examination with Dr. Paul Michels.
To learn more about how you can improve your oral health through diet or with preventive care in our office and at home, we welcome you to contact Cardinal Dental in La Mesa today.
