Good dietary choices can help to maintain the condition of your smile.
We all know that in order to keep our teeth and gums healthy, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene every day. But as well as brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups, it is also well worth considering your dietary choices for the sake of your oral and overall health. Certain foods are good for your teeth because of the nutrients they contain, as well as the way in which they affect your mouth. Read on to find out which foods you should incorporate into your diet to keep your smile in tip-top condition…
1. Leafy greens
It’s no secret that vegetables are good for our overall health — they are packed with nutrients and are very versatile. Leafy greens in particular are great when it comes to your oral health. Options like spinach and kale are low in calories but full of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including folic acid; calcium and vitamin B. Chewing on leafy greens promotes the production of saliva in the mouth, which naturally helps to keep the mouth clean.
2. Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Crunchy and fibrous fruits and veggies — think carrots, apples and celery — are great for your teeth because they promote saliva production and help to wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Their fibrous texture also helps to clean the teeth because it scrapes away food debris and plaque from the surface of the teeth. As well as their high fibre content, these kinds of fruits and vegetables are also packed with vitamins.
3. Dairy products
Dairy products like cheese, milk and yoghurt are all high in calcium and protein, both of which help to strengthen the teeth and bones. These foods also play an important role in the production of saliva, which helps to protect the teeth from dental erosion and decay. When choosing your dairy products, be sure to go for sugar-free options — natural yoghurt, for example, goes well with fresh fruits, berries, and nuts. If you are allergic to dairy or choose not to eat it, you can get your fix of calcium and protein in fortified nut milks like almond or cashew milk instead.
4. Fluoride-enriched foods
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen the teeth and fight tooth decay. It can be found in most tap water sources and is added to most toothpastes. You can get additional fluoride by choosing foods that naturally contain the mineral — some examples include seafood, cheese, canned tomatoes, and carrots.
It is a good idea to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will keep you hydrated and prevent your mouth from drying out, while also ensuring that you consume fluoride regularly. By keeping your mouth moist, it is possible to keep issues like bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease at bay.
How can we help?
At Dental Pearls, we love helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We are available to answer any questions that you have about your lifestyle and dietary choices and the impact that these factors may be having on your smile. We encourage all of our patients to establish healthy habits by practising proper oral hygiene, being mindful of their diet, and seeing us for regular check-ups and cleans.
The team at Dental Pearls offers a comprehensive range of services, including cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry. We also offer treatments for sleep apnoea and snoring. Your wellness is extremely important to us, so if you have a specific concern or would simply like to have a check-up, we encourage you to come in and see us. To see the full list of treatments that we provide, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here or give us a call on (07) 3210 2144.
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