Did your dentist provide you with a list of foods to avoid? It’s all too common to read or hear what foods are bad for the teeth. But why does it seem like nobody talks about what foods are good for your oral health?
Did your dentist provide you with a list of foods to avoid? It’s all too common to read or hear what foods are bad for the teeth. But why does it seem like nobody talks about what foods are good for your oral health?
Keeping your pearly whites healthy requires more than just brushing and flossing. You also need to take into account what you put inside your body. Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals can lead to a better-looking smile. And there’s no better way to meet your daily nutritional requirements than by including more organic foods in your diet.
Why Choose Organic Foods?
Some people think that organic foods are just a scam. They cost more money compared to their non-organic counterparts. But there’s a valid reason for this price difference.
As you may know already, organic foods are grown without using any harmful pesticides and fertilizers. In general, they take a longer time to grow. But they offer the benefit of containing higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Non-organic foods, meanwhile, have been grown rapidly by the use of artificial fertilizers. They often look better and bigger, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they pack more of a punch. In fact, they contain fewer nutrients despite their size. Organic foods are not only great for promoting healthier teeth, but for your overall health as well. Here’s a list of the best organic foods you should eat more often to flash a better smile and avoid oral health problems.
1) Cheese
Can’t get enough of cheese? Then you’ll love the fact that your love of cheese is beneficial for your oral health. According to a study by the American Academy of General Dentistry in May 2013, eating cheese effectively increases the pH level inside the mouth, thus lowering the risk of tooth decay.
Experts say that one possible explanation is that eating cheese requires a lot of chewing, which increases saliva in the mouth. More saliva means you’ll be better able to ward off harmful bacteria.
Calcium and protein can also be found in cheese, which provides tooth enamel with a huge strength boost.
Be sure to choose organic cheese and eat it as a snack or after every meal to neutralize acids.
Say, cheese!
2) Yogurt
You might have heard countless times that yogurt contains probiotics or “good” bacteria, which provides a range of health benefits for the body. You now have another reason to get your daily serving of yogurt. It contains a lot of calcium and protein, which strengthens your teeth.
The good bacteria found in yogurt also dominates the bad bacteria inside your mouth. This means you will combat cavities better.
It’s interesting to learn that in a Japanese study involving 1,000 patients, it was found that those with the healthiest gums were those who consumed the most yogurt.
If you decide to eat yogurt, it’s recommended to go for plain or Greek. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, consider some fresh fruit or xylitol, a natural sweetener.
Yogurt = good bacteria
3) Almonds
By now, you should know that calcium and protein do a lot of good for your teeth. But it’s pretty difficult to find a good source of these nutrients that do not contain a lot of sugar. Thankfully, almonds come to the rescue. Almonds are loaded with calcium and protein, but its sugar content is virtually negligible. It also offers the benefit of keeping you full for an extended period, so you can avoid reaching out for snacks. Try to eat a quarter cup of almonds daily. You can also add them to your salad or with your dinner meal.
4) Broccoli
If there’s one leafy green you should eat to boost your oral health, it’s definitely broccoli. You might be surprised that eating more of this vegetable leads to whiter teeth and increased protection for your teeth enamel.
Broccoli contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals that your teeth will surely love. It’s rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which promotes healing in case you have unhealthy gums. It also contains Vitamin B2, folic acid, and calcium, which strengthens the teeth and fights cavities.
Excited to add more broccoli to your diet? If so, avoid boiling it for too long. This might deplete all the vitamins and minerals. It’s recommended to eat it raw, as this promotes increased saliva production. You can also steam it if you want it to be less crunchy.
5) Apples
Your dentist might have told you that anything sweet is bad for the teeth, but there are a few exceptions. Fresh fruits can be beneficial for your teeth. Apples, for example, can improve your oral health despite their sweetness. Apple has a fibrous texture, which effectively cleanses the teeth. Its crunchiness also produces more saliva when eating. Not to mention, it gives you a good energy boost if you can’t get yourself a cup of coffee. Bringing an apple or at least a few slices with you can be helpful to give your teeth some scrubbing after each meal.
Apple a day keeps the dentist away?
6) Pineapples
Here’s another tasty fruit that has made it to the list. Pineapples are known for their acidity, which would appear to be harmful to the teeth. Interestingly, eating pineapples can actually alkalize the mouth. No other fruit in the world contains the enzyme, Bromelain, than pineapple. Bromelain is highly-regarded for its many health benefits. In fact, it has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases and ailments. When it comes to your oral health, it helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing, which explains why some dentists ask their patients to eat pineapple before and after a tooth extraction.
7) Celery
This vegetable doesn’t make it to the favorites list of most people, but it offers a lot in terms of promoting healthier teeth and gums. Because of its fibrous nature, it acts like a toothbrush, removing bacteria and food particles from your teeth. This action is enhanced by the increased production of saliva when eating celery. It also contains Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which have been shown to improve the health of your gums.
Celery = packed with nutrients
