Foods to Eat for Better Oral Health

What you eat affects your overall health, but did you know diet affects your smile, too? Many foods are packed with vitamins and minerals that promote tooth strength and gum health! Here are five foods to eat for better oral health:

1. Apples

Apples are a nutrition powerhouse. They contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which are shown to improve tooth and gum health. Thanks to their crunchiness, apples also help clean plaque from your teeth. Chewing stimulates your jaw and strengthens the bone.

2. Avocados

Avocados, which are a fruit, contain nutrients like potassium. Potassium improves tooth strength. Avocados also have antioxidants that help your body fight harmful bacteria, like the kind that cause gum disease.

3. Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are dense in nutrients like folic acid, calcium, and magnesium. Together, calcium and magnesium strengthen your tooth enamel and jawbone density. Folic acid promotes gum health.

4. Cheese & Yogurt

Dairy products like cheese and yogurt contain calcium and phosphates. These help rebuild tooth enamel and restore minerals you might have lost. Cheese also encourages saliva production, which is good because saliva is your body’s natural plaque cleaner.

5. Fatty fish

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish like salmon, can lower a person’s risk for gum disease! If you eat more fatty fish, your heart health will thank you, too.

Achieve Great Oral Health at Springhurst Hills Dentistry in Louisville, Kentucky!

Alongside diet, maintaining great oral hygiene at home and getting professional cleanings and exams are essential to great oral health. At our office, we’re pleased to offer preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry with Dr. Tran. If you have any questions about tooth-friendly foods or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!

Posted on behalf of Dr. Lan Tran, Springhurst Hills Dentistry