Aside from foods like vegetables and dairy, there are 6 foods that are good for your teeth you may not have known about. In this article, I want to help you gain better insight into the impact your diet has on your teeth. Furthermore, I want to point out a couple of foods that are good for teeth and will strengthen your teeth. Following is a list of delicious foods you can have right now for a healthy, shiny smile directly from an orthodontic office:
1. Hamburgers
Most people forget that hamburgers are packed with red meat, which is a rich supply of protein, Iron, and Vitamin B12. An occasional hamburger is beneficial for the health of your mouth, mainly due to the beneficial nutrients that support the health of the gum. Here’s how hamburgers help your oral health:
- Iron helps distribute oxygen across your entire body, including the mouth. Hamburgers contain substantial amounts of iron which helps protect your mouth from painful sores. Low oxygen levels in the body allow bacteria to flourish in your mouth, causing infections that may be harmful to the health of your teeth. Having enough red meet ensures you’ll consume sufficiently Heme Iron, which is a type of Iron found only in meat and dairy.
- Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient to produce fresh red blood cells. If you’re Vitamin B12 deficient, your blood cells are likely abnormally shaped and less efficient in supplying your body with oxygen. As I already mentioned, low oxygen in your bloodstream increases risk from oral infections.
- Proteins are pivotal nutrients that give structure to your cells, help you build lean muscle, and supply your body with backup energy when you’re low on carbs. A hamburger may contain near 30 grams of protein, which is a good portion of the recommended 50-175-gram daily intake for the average diet of 2000 kcal/day. Proteins are vital to support the strength of your teeth and jaw, mainly because they contain plenty of phosphorous.
2. Sardines and Salmon
Salmon and Sardines boost your body and mouth with Omega-3 fatty acids and vast amounts of Vitamin D. Omega-3 fatty acids help care for your teeth by preventing tooth decay and protecting the roots of your teeth. Mainly, Omega-3’s are efficient in protecting your teeth from inflammation that occurs in the spots between teeth and damaged gums.
Vitamin D is crucial for Calcium absorption in your body. Without sufficient Vitamin D, you’ll face tooth decay, gum disease, and undeveloped teeth. In addition, sardines contain fluoride and calcium. Fluoride absorbs into the enamel of your teeth. Since enamel is prone to damage, fluoride helps it re-mineralize and prevent tooth decay, as well as cavities.
3. Ginger
Ginger is known for its health benefits when it comes to weight loss, alleviating nausea, and reducing stomach pain. But, did you know that ginger contains precious nutrients that can support your teeth and protect them from decay? Ginger helps remove plaque and prevent cavities, while strengthening your gums and preventing inflammations. Chewing on raw ginger prevents oral infections, cavities, gingivitis, and removes plaque due to its main ingredients Gingerol and Raffinose.
Raffinose is a strong bacteria exterminator that prevents sugars from affecting your gums and teeth. Raffinose, which is a key ingredient in ginger, prevents the formation of biofilm (a layer of bacteria) on the surface of your teeth. Gingerol, on the other hand, battles infections by killing off bacteria in your mouth and reducing swelling and inflammation. To reap the greatest benefits from ginger to your teeth, make sure to go for quality products and chew only on the fresh, raw, organic roots.
4. Almonds
Known mainly as a healthy snack, almonds contain rich amounts of calcium and fiber. In particular, chewing on fiber stimulates gum and triggers protective saliva. Calcium, on the other hand, helps build your teeth and keep them strong. When chewing on almonds, make sure to do it gently. Almonds can be hard on teeth, and you want to avoid damaging them. Slivered almonds are a tooth-friendlier option.
5. Chocolate
Chocolate and candy are otherwise known to harm oral health. However, organic, low-sugar, quality chocolate made from at least 70% cocoa is beneficial to your teeth and gums. A nutrient called CBH has proven to help your enamel become harder, which helps prevent tooth decay. This doesn’t mean you should go for any type of chocolate. Organic, quality produced, cocoa-saturated dark chocolate is the treat to choose. Keep in mind that brushing your teeth after having chocolate is still recommended to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up in your mouth.
6. Water
If you thought water is irrelevant for the health of your mouth, think again! Proper hydration is crucial for your saliva to have optimum water levels. Water in your saliva plays an important role in breaking down food, reducing bacteria and odors. Water also prevents teeth from decaying. Having your regular glasses of water helps wash off the debris in your mouth, which reduces plaque. A glass of water or a simple rinse after a meal or a cup of coffee will do a lot for your fresh breath and oral health. Moreover, regular water intake also prevents teeth staining.
In this article, I wanted to share my knowledge of foods that are good for teeth but aren’t known as such. Moreover, these otherwise delicious foods are widely accessible and popular both among children and adults. When thinking about the ways to improve your health, I’d strongly advise thinking wider than regular brushing and flossing. Little known nutrients found in common foods can help create an inflammation-resilient environment in your mouth. However, this doesn’t mean oral hygiene is any less important.
To keep your teeth, gum, and mouth healthy, Philadelphia orthodontists recommend a nutrient-dense diet supported with meticulous daily care. Every food, regardless of nutritional benefits, can negatively impact your teeth if you fail to follow through with a regular daily hygiene. Following through with advice you get at an orthodontic office ensures long-term oral health.
