When oral health is at stake, the most common suggestions we come across are the don’ts, especially the ones related to foods. But what if you find crunchy, delicious and naturally sweet food options to maintain good oral health? Well, below is a compilation of some of the best foods for oral health.
Farm Fresh
The list of health benefits of various vegetables and fruits is endless. Well, you might be surprised to know that they score high when it comes to maintaining good oral health also. Let’s see how –
- Vegetables such as kale, spinach and other green leafy vegetables are packed with calcium, fiber and all things good. Use them in soups, as toppings or even in your smoothies to maintain healthy pearly whites.
- Also, soups which are broth based make for perfect relief-providing foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. Go ahead and enjoy a bowl of warm tomato or cream of celery soup and feel your teeth flexing muscles happily!
- Vegetables like carrots and celery are both great sources of vitamin A. Celery also contains vitamin C. Both these vitamins act as antioxidants and help boost the health of your gums.
- Choose dried grapes – raisins. They are a good source of phytochemicals which may help in fighting the cavities and gum-disease causing bacteria.
- Fruits such as apples and cranberries are also clear winners when it comes to healthy teeth. Eating apples leads to production of saliva which washes away residual food particles and bacteria, while its fibrous texture stimulates the gums. Cranberries contain polyphenols which may help in keeping plaque from sticking to teeth, thereby lowering the risk of cavity formation.
Dose of Dairy Goodness
Most of the dairy products help lower the level of bacteria in your mouth. Also, cheese and yogurt are some of the most recommended dairy foods after oral surgery. Both of these are rich in calcium and protein which help in strengthening tooth enamel. The ‘good bacteria’ present in yogurt do a world of good to your teeth and gums. And, its smooth texture along with light consistency makes yogurt an ideal food to eat after wisdom tooth removal. Just ensure that you stick to a plain sugar-free yogurt. Invent delicious ways to include some of this dairy goodness in your diet.
Lean is in
When it comes to healthy food choices for oral health, lean proteins will always rule all the trends. Yes! White meat, dark meat without skin, fish, low-fat dairy products, quinoa –a low-fat grain plus a complete protein, milk, eggs, beans and legumes etc., are all great sources of lean protein. They are rich in phosphorous which contribute to the strength of your teeth.
Nuts about Nuts
Nuts such as almonds and cashews are powerhouses of proteins and minerals. They also have low carbohydrate content which means, they don’t increase the risk of cavities. The omega-3 fatty acids in nuts strengthen your teeth and help keep the gum tissue healthy. What’s more? The chewing action stimulates the production of saliva, which also contributes towards protecting your teeth from the possibility of decay.
Make an appointment with our friendly Smile Team at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear, AZ and know more about eating right for a healthy smile. And, follow your food love!