The Best Foods to Eat for Healthy Teeth and Gums
We all know the importance of brushing our teeth twice a day and regular visits to the dentist, as well as the advice not to consume too much sugar or fizzy drinks. A lot of the focus tends to be on what we shouldn’t be eating, but there are plenty of foods out there that can actually improve the health of your teeth and gums. From crunchy vegetables to calcium rich foods, there are many delicious things that can also promote good oral health. If you’re looking for some ways to help strengthen your teeth and keep your mouth healthy, read on for just a few examples below and their benefits.
Cheese is packed full of calcium and protein, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and bones. Research has also found that eating hard cheeses such as cheddar increases saliva in the mouth and lowers the risk of tooth decay.
Apples, like most fruits, do contain sugar; but the crunchy texture does enough to offset any potentially harmful fruit sugars. Eating an apple produces a lot of saliva which washes away bacteria and food particles, and an apple’s fibrous texture is also good for stimulating the gums.
Almonds are also high in calcium and protein, while being low in sugar. The protein and calcium help protect your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria, as well as build strong tooth enamel. Whole, raw almonds can be tough on teeth, so if yours are a little sensitive try almond butter instead.
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach and watercress are packed with vitamins and minerals, plus a healthy dose of iron and calcium. They also contain the B-vitamin folic acid, which has been proven to reduce gum inflammation and help build immunity to dental plaque.
Cranberries contain polyphenols, a natural compound which can help prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. Choose fresh cranberries if you can find them or a cranberry extract tablet; cranberry juices are often full of added sugar to balance out the tartness of the fruit.
We’re often taught from a young age to drink milk to keep our teeth and bones strong, and milk really does have a variety of benefits. Milk has been shown to lower the levels of acid in the mouth more effectively than water, so if you’ve consumed sugary food and aren’t able to brush your teeth; try drinking a glass of milk instead.
Our diets can help keep our teeth in good condition, but it’s still important to make regular trips to your dentist. If you’re looking for a professional and friendly dentist in Swansea, get in touch with Manor Road Dental. We offer a range of treatments including fillings, crowns, dental cleaning, cosmetic dentistry and more; and we have a range of dental plans available to suit your budget. For more information, give us a call or visit the website .
