It’s well known that sugar-rich foods, sticky snacks (like candies and lollipops), and sugary drinks contribute to tooth decay. People who drink three or more glasses of soda daily are 60% more likely to develop cavities!
In our previous blogs, we discussed the importance of hygiene in oral health care. However, while attempting to focus on proper maintenance of oral cavity cleanliness, we often overlook a crucial factor for dental health—proper nutrition. Just as healthy food helps maintain a strong immune system and overall well-being, certain foods have a beneficial impact on oral health.
Below, we present five great foods that, combined with good hygiene and regular dentist visits, will help your smile shine!
Cheese and dairy products
Thanks to a high level of calcium, cheese is one of the best foods for maintaining oral health, as it supports jawbone density. Casein protein in cheese strengthens tooth enamel, and its high mineral content helps balance pH levels in the mouth, preventing surface tooth erosion.
Hard cheeses are especially beneficial because chewing them stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria from the teeth. Besides water, dairy drinks like milk and yogurt are drinks which contain the most beneficial ingredients for teeth. They help combat cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath.
Certain fruits and vegetables
Let’s recall the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” But is this really true?
There’s a common misconception among patients that apples are a good substitute for brushing teeth. This belief is, of course, incorrect, but the positive effects of frequent apple consumption on oral health cannot be denied. Apples enhance saliva production and aid in self-cleaning the mouth by neutralizing acids. Chewing crunchy apples benefits both teeth and gums.
Strawberries, known as antioxidants rich in vitamin C, are also good for our teeth. Vitamin C maintains good structure of collagen in dentin, the part of the tooth between the enamel and the nerve. Therefore, in addition to these foods, it is advisable to consume certain types of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. On the other hand, citrus fruits can often negatively affect teeth by eroding tooth structures. After consuming acidic fruits, vegetables, juices, or smoothies, it’s important to wait half an hour before brushing your teeth to avoid mechanically rubbing the acids into the teeth and damaging their surface.
Tea, coffee, and cocoa
Did you think dentists were against coffee?
Tea, coffee, and cocoa are often the enemies of white teeth due to tannin, a pigment that causes stains. However, thanks to polyphenol compounds in their composition, they have a positive impact on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Black and green teas are especially beneficial for oral health as they contain high levels of fluoride, essential for restoring tooth structures.
Green tea reduces the effects of sulfur compounds in the mouth, minimizing the chance of bad breath. Teas are also excellent antioxidants, helping detoxify the body, rejuvenate cells, and reduce the risk of cancer development, including oral cancer.
After certain treatments, we often recommend that patients rinse their mouths with sage tea, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it can be used as a supplement in the treatment of various conditions.
Nuts
Different types of nuts are rich in nutrients that can improve oral health.
Whether it’s peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or Brazil nuts, they contain a high level of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, helping fight bacteria that cause tooth decay. Hazelnuts are particularly beneficial, containing fiber, folic acid, iron, magnesium, vitamins B and E, potassium, and zinc.
Their hardness also requires thorough chewing, which stimulates teeth and the entire chewing system (just be careful not to chip a tooth, and if you do, you know where to find us!).
Meat, eggs, and fish
Protein-rich foods like white meat, fish, and eggs can help maintain healthy tooth substance and improve jawbone density.
Besides requiring ample chewing, which stimulates saliva production, meats like chicken and turkey are rich in phosphorus, an important mineral for tooth structure. The same applies to certain fish, like salmon.
Red meat contains significant amounts of iron and zinc and has an adverse effect on the amino acid arginine, a component of dental plaque. It’s also a great source of vitamin B12, which strengthens gums. However, red meat should be consumed in moderation as it can negatively impact overall health and contribute to cardiovascular diseases.
Our final advice…
To maintain your oral and overall health in the best condition possible, be mindful of your food choices.
A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, whole fruits and vegetables, and other foods that stimulate chewing, along with adequate water intake to promote saliva production, is the right recipe for a healthy and beautiful smile.
All of this, combined with an excellent oral hygiene, will ensure that your teeth shine brightly!
