Foods that Promote Oral Health

Want healthier teeth? It all starts with what you put into your mouth, quite literally. The foods that you eat can have a big impact on your oral health, as well as on your overall physical health.

What you eat and drink makes a huge difference in your oral health both for better and for worse. Choosing the wrong foods and drinks can stain and weaken your teeth, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay. But choosing the right foods can make your teeth stronger and more resistant to problems. Dr. Thomas D. Sokoly of Sokoly Dental explains more about which foods can make your teeth healthier.

Start with water

One reason that so many doctors and dentists prescribe drinking water is because it has so many beneficial effects for your health. Your oral health is no exception. Drinking plenty of fresh water washes harmful bacteria away from your teeth.

Eat cheese

It doesn’t seem like it’s often recommended that you eat cheese, right? Cheese is delicious, one of those foods that you’re usually told you should give up. But cheese is healthy, especially for your teeth. It’s naturally high in calcium, which helps build strong tooth enamel and keeps your jawbone healthy. 

If you’re worried that cheese doesn’t fit into your diet, don’t worry: you don’t need to eat a lot of it to reap the benefits. Just an ounce of low-fat cheese — about the amount of a cheese stick — provides enough calcium to meet 20 percent of your daily calcium needs.

Have a cup of yogurt

Whether you eat it on its own or put it in a smoothie, yogurt is another good source of calcium. Try using Greek yogurt when possible, as it contains more protein. Many people these days are giving up dairy but find that yogurt and cheese are tolerable, high-protein sources of calcium.

Eat leafy greens

Leafy greens like kale and spinach are definitely trendy right now. But they’re more than just a fad: they’re actually really good for you. A cup of kale contains 10 percent of your daily calcium needs. Not a fan of leafy greens? Try adding a cup or two of kale or spinach to a smoothie for a nutritional powerhouse. Your teeth will love you for all the calcium you’ll get. Calcium makes your teeth more resistant to decay.

An apple a day

The old saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While we want you to come in and see us, it’s always best for everyone if it’s not under desperate circumstances. While apples are high in sugar, they’re also high in fiber. This fiber stimulates your mouth to produce more saliva, helping to keep bacteria from wreaking havoc. Eating an apple a day can strengthen your teeth and keep your smile looking beautiful. 

Crunch on carrots and celery 

Eating raw carrot and celery sticks isn’t just good for dieters: it’s also good for your teeth. That’s because eating these veggies acts like a natural toothbrush. The natural fiber helps to strengthen your teeth as it whisks away plaque and bacteria.

If you want to have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible, it all starts with what you eat. In addition to eating plenty of healthy foods, you should also limit your consumption of sugar and processed food. Of course, you should also keep up with regular dental cleanings to ensure your oral health.

To schedule an appointment in our Washington, DC office, call us at 202-280-2428 today, or request an appointment online.