Most of us know that good nutrition is crucial to living longer and having a healthy body. However, you may be surprised to learn that good nutrition can help our teeth be healthier too. It’s true! Many healthy foods we eat build up our teeth so we are helping our teeth while we use them. Just like the rest of our bodies, our teeth need nutrients. Making the foods listed below part of your diet will help keep your smile healthy and bright and they’re delicious, too! Eating healthy foods is a great part of preventative dental care.
Cheeses
Dairy foods like cheese are rich in calcium, which is the building block of our bones and teeth and helps strengthen them as well. Because our bodies can’t produce their own calcium — we get this mineral only by consuming it and we use it quickly–including cheese in your diet as a snack is a good way to add more calcium into your diet.
Apples
An apple a day may keep the doctor away but Dr. Benjamin Stevens of Beautiful Smiles in Greenwood IN wants you to eat them too! Eating too many carbohydrates, starches, and sugary foods can eat away at your tooth enamel because of the acids they produce in our mouths. Eating a juicy, crunchy apple instead can satisfy your “sweet tooth” while also being good for your body and your teeth. Apples are loaded with vitamin C which helps reduce inflammation. Individuals suffering from periodontitis (gum disease) can add extra vitamin C in their diets through eating apples and help soothe their swollen gums. If you apples aren’t for you, there are other fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C too, including broccoli, oranges, and green peppers.
Fish
While your dairy intake may provide plenty of calcium, your body is unable to absorb it without the help of Vitamin D. Vitamin-D rich foods, such as tuna and salmon, help your body absorb the calcium it needs to build up strong teeth and bones. Another excellent source of vitamin D is free and available to all of us: the sun! Enjoying time outdoors in the sun (with an appropriate sunscreen and while hydrating properly) does wonders for the growth and continued health of skin, hair, nails, teeth, and more!
Oatmeal
Eating whole grain oatmeal can not only help you lower your risk of gum disease, it can also improve the overall health of your heart. Buyer beware: most pre-packaged flavored oatmeal packets are full of added sugar. Too much sugar helps the bacteria living in your mouth that destroy enamel to prosper.To keep your oatmeal as healthy as possible, we recommend cooking your own plain oats and adding in some berries for added sweetness. You can also mix in cinnamon for this effect as well.
Expert Dental Care in Indianapolis
Enjoying these tasty, healthy foods and snacks can not only improve your dental health, but that of your overall body as well. Be sure to have regular dental examinations as part of your health routine by checking in with Dr. Stevens at Beautiful Smiles in the Indianapolis area! Schedule a complimentary consultation online or call (317) 886-4512 today!