Foods That Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy

Oral health care and oral hygiene are probably one of the most vital dental responsibilities for an individual. Taking care of your gums and 32 pearly whites can sometimes be stressful. Practicing healthy habits such as not smoking, brushing twice daily and flossing every day can help reduce the stress of dental appointments and procedures to repair your teeth. Eating the right food also plays a vital role in strengthening teeth and gums. Taking a few minutes out of your busy day for oral care can come a long way.

Maintaining a well–balanced nutritious diet not only strengthens the teeth and gums but also increases its functionality and overall health. Let’s not forget that lack of oral care could lead to oral cancer that can potentially spread to the rest of the body and can sometimes be fatal. 

A healthy diet consists of a mix of vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and dairy products. Here is a list of vegetables and fruits that you could include in your diet to help strengthen your teeth and gums. 

Asparagus

Rich in potassium, phosphorus, folate and vitamins A, E and K, just half a cup of asparagus will provide you with 57 percent of the recommended intake of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting bone strength. Asparagus is also a rich source of inulin that acts as a great prebiotic fibre to break down probiotics – a bacteria that keeps your gut healthy. 

Strawberries – Or any berries/fruits or vegetables rich in Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and helps with the growth and repair of tissue in the body. Vitamin C is also necessary for maintaining the strength and structure of teeth. Strawberries are also rich in malic acid that can help naturally whiten your teeth. Other fruits rich in Vitamin C include apples, pears, pineapples, etc. 

Broccoli

An acquired taste for sure, broccoli is not a personal favourite for many (I like to call it the tree of doom). The vegetable is a storehouse for Vitamin C and K. It helps with blood clotting, bone strengthening and acts as natural teeth cleaners!

Kiwis 

Kiwis help in building immunity as it produces blood cells to fight foreign micro-organisms. High in vitamin C that helps in the increased production of blood cells, it helps improve the resistance and immunity against infections, including reduced chances of tooth decay.

Sweet Potatoes 

Stacked with vitamin A, which sustains the mucous membranes and maintains the soft tissue of the gums, sweet potatoes are a great source of nutrition. Vitamin A also helps in retaining protein keratin, the agent responsible for the formation of the tooth enamel.

Onions and Garlic 

Garlic may not be the best thing for your breath, but it contains allicin that has antimicrobial properties. It helps fight tooth decay and periodontal disease. Onions may not be the best choice for your breath either, but when onions are consumed raw, they have antibacterial properties that can help fight gum disease and cavities.

Whole Grains

Whole grains not only have high nutritional value but also contain carbohydrates that prevent bacteria from growing. Whole grains are also a healthier choice as it is rich in nutrients that actively help keep the teeth and gums healthy.

For more information on what are the best food practices for your teeth and gums, visit a dentist near you today. A dentist Chaparral is happy to help!