What Foods Are The Best For My Teeth? Our Top Recommendations

If you want to keep your teeth healthy, a diet low in sugar and processed foods is sure to help. Minimizing your intake of sugary and starchy foods will reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. And in this guide from Dulles Life Smiles, we’ll discuss a few top foods that will help you improve your oral health, and your overall well-being!

1. Dairy (Cheese, Milk & Yogurt)

Cheese is low in sugar and high in calcium, and it’s high in casein, a protein that helps fortify tooth enamel. It also contains lots of phosphates, which help balance your mouth’s pH and can strengthen your teeth.

Milk is also quite healthy for your teeth, as it’s also high in calcium and is typically fortified with vitamin D. Like cheese, it lowers acid levels in the mouth, which helps prevent cavities.

Yogurt is also a top contender. Like cheese and milk, it’s packed with calcium, and also contains probiotics that are good for your oral health and your gut health.

2. Crunchy Vegetables Like Celery & Carrots

Celery, carrots, and other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers are “nature’s toothbrushes!” Because they’re crunchy and fibrous and require a lot of chewing, they scrub away food particles and plaque, and help keep your teeth healthy.

3. Leafy Greens (Kale, Spinach, Lettuce)

Leafy greens are full of healthy nutrients. Greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, and others contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, iron, calcium, and potassium, all of which are important for healthy teeth and gums, and for a healthy body.

4. Apples & Pears

Crunchy fruits like apples and pears work similarly to carrots and celery. The tough, crunchy “meat’ of the fruit can help scrub other food particles away from your teeth. In addition to this, apples and pears are full of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin A. The high level of fiber in the skin of these fruits also helps improve your digestion.

5. Meat

Saliva production is stimulated by eating meats like chicken, beef, and fish, because a lot of saliva is required to “emulsify” the fats and proteins in meats with water in your mouth, ensuring the meat can be chewed and digested properly.

In turn, this can help prevent cavities. Increased saliva production means that sugar, starches, and food particles can be rinsed away from your mouth more effectively, reducing your risk of tooth decay.

Maintain A Healthy Diet & Good Oral Hygiene To Keep Your Mouth Healthy!

Along with a healthy diet containing the foods listed above, it’s important to maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine. You should brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once per day.

You also need to see a dentist like Dr. Gino every six months for preventive care, such as a six-month oral exam and teeth cleaning. If you’re overdue for a checkup, just contact us online or give us a call at (703) 783-2425. We’re always accepting new patients at Dulles Life Smiles.