Maintaining your oral health entails much more than flossing, brushing, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis. However, a healthy and well-balanced diet also plays an important role in your oral health. In some cases, a well-balanced diet can help prevent tooth decay from forming and gum disease from developing.
Whether you’re starting a new year’s resolution or making changes to your existing diet, this list is a great resource!
Fruits and vegetables are both high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients that are good for you. Moreover, fruits and veggies have high water content which provides additional hydration. Produce like cucumbers, celery, broccoli, apples, and carrots are crunchy and can clean or remove particles from your teeth. Additionally, fruits and vegetables help produce saliva to protect your teeth from decay. Vitamins and nutrients found in produce are essential to healthy gums, which can also help restore tooth enamel.
Foods high in calcium are a staple for your oral health. Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphate work to help build enamel and strengthen the teeth with essential minerals.
Protein is what keeps us satisfied—but did you know that it’s also a great source of phosphorus? Look to lean meats, fish, and eggs for protein-packed food sources.
Not only are whole grains and nuts heart-healthy, but they also offer benefits to your oral health. For instance, they are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that work to protect your mouth and keep it healthy. Vitamins like magnesium and vitamins B and E can help protect against cavities, build strong enamel, and fight gum disease and inflammation.
What we choose to consume has a direct impact on our bodies and oral health. Following a well-balanced diet along with visiting your dentist for regular checkups can help keep your smile healthy and happy. Contact us today to schedule a routine dental checkup at our West Wichita office!