Taking care of your oral health is not difficult. Following a regular oral care habit of brushing, flossing, and rinsing after every meal can keep your mouth and gums in sound health. Besides, do you know you can help your teeth while you eat?  As per the American Dental Association (ADA), practicing good eating patterns and making smart food choices can also help prevent tooth decay. Conversely, some food can be bad for your oral health and negatively affect your teeth. Beyond limiting sugary and acidic foods in your diet, there are foods that are good for your gums. Read our blog to learn what foods are right for your teeth and oral health.

How does food impact my teeth?

If you want to achieve a healthy set of teeth and gums, your family dentist, Rocklin, recommends you to eat whole grains, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and quality protein. According to the ADA, many foods help your teeth stay healthy and help your mouth clear bacteria and acid from the teeth. Some of the few healthy options to consume suggested by your Rocklin dentist include: 

• Yogurt, milk, and cheese
• Leafy greens
• Ginger
• Apples, carrots, and celery
• Tea
• Nuts and lean proteins
• Water

Yogurt, milk, and cheese

Dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and milk, encourage the body to produce more saliva that protects your teeth. Cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium and protein and help strengthen your teeth. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria - probiotics for your digestive system. Drinking milk can neutralize acids produced by plaque-causing germs. If you are sensitive or allergic to dairy, you can opt for calcium- and protein-fortified nut milk like almond, cashew, or soy milk.

Leafy greens

Vegetables have many health benefits without being calorie-dense. Vegetables like kale, spinach, chard, or collard greens are rich in vitamins and minerals and help in the production of saliva to clean your mouth and keep teeth enamel healthy. Leafy greens are high in folic acid, calcium, and vitamins, which help your health, and more specifically, your gums!

Ginger

Ginger root is regarded as a healing herb due to its anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy tissue in your mouth.

Apples, carrots, and celery 

If you have a sweet tooth, eat an apple instead of munching on cookies and chocolates! Apples give hydration and fiber to your body and promote good saliva production. Celery helps clean your teeth by scraping leftover food particles and bacteria away from your teeth because of its texture. Carrots and celery are also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. 

Tea 

Unsweetened black and green teas contain plaque-fighting ingredients. Black tea prevents mouth infections like strep throat and dental cavities. Polyphenols (micronutrients packed with antioxidants) in combination with green tea extracts hinder bacterial growth. Green tea also lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque, thus helping in preventing cavities.

Nuts and lean proteins

Lean proteins are good to keep teeth healthy; food like meat, fish, poultry, and tofu is a good source of phosphorus and protein. Most meats offer many important nutrients, and chewing meat produces saliva. More saliva helps decrease acidity in the mouth and washes away particles of food that lead to decay. Fatty fish (like salmon) and tofu are rich in phosphorus, which helps protect tooth enamel. Almonds are a good source of calcium and protein that help keep teeth strong and healthy.

Water

Water is one of the best drinks that acts as a great cleanser. Drinking plenty of water can help eliminate dry mouth by keeping the mouth moist to prevent the bacteria that leads to cavities, bad breath, or gum disease. Drinking fluoridated water is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to prevent cavities. Besides, water helps wash away food particles and keeps the saliva levels high.

Consuming these foods in plenty can make a difference in your oral health. Loading your diet with vegetables,  fruits, low- or no-sugar-added dairy products, lean proteins, and plenty of water is a healthy way to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health.

Here’s to healthy eating for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile!