Did you know that your diet can affect your oral health? In fact, it plays a huge role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some superfoods to eat this spring that will keep your smile bigger and brighter than ever.
Important Nutrients for Strong Teeth Enamel and Preventing Teeth Decay
Calcium
One of the most important nutrients for strong teeth is calcium. Calcium helps remineralize your teeth enamel, which will keep it strong and healthy. This will also help keep your gums healthy as well.
Foods with Calcium
The best foods we recommend for getting enough calcium in your diet include dairy products such as yogurt, milk, cheese, and kefir, as well as leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula.
Vitamin D
In order for your body to absorb calcium properly and ensure that your teeth stay strong, you need to make sure you are getting enough vitamin D. It’s important to make sure you’re either eating a lot of food with vitamin D or taking a supplement, especially if you are living in a northern state like we are!
Foods with Vitamin D
Aside from sunlight, the best way to get enough vitamin D is to eat foods rich in this vitamin. We recommend eating foods such as salmon and fatty fish or fortified foods like cereals, milk, yogurt, and orange juice.
Phosphorus
This important nutrient works hand-in-hand with calcium to repair and protect your teeth enamel.
Foods with Phosphorus
Phosphorus is typically found in meats such as beef, chicken and pork, as well as eggs and dairy products. If you are vegan, peanuts, almonds, brazil nuts, lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are all great sources of phosphorus.
Foods That Protect Against Cavities and Teeth Erosion
Crunchy Foods
Foods that are crunchy act as natural toothbrushes for your teeth! When you’re eating foods like carrots, apples, cucumbers, and celery, you’re actively helping clean your teeth. All of these foods help stimulate the saliva in your mouth, which helps wash away food particles and harmful bacteria.
Foods to Avoid
Eating foods that are high in sugar and starches creates a breeding ground for unhealthy mouth bacteria. Try to avoid these as well as sticky, processed foods as these are harder to remove from your teeth which can lead to plaque build-up.
Nutrients to Support Gum Health and Reduce Inflammation
Vitamin C
If you’ve ever read a tale about pirates, chances are you may know that symptoms of scurvy (a disease that is caused by a severe vitamin c deficiency) include bleeding gums and even having your teeth fall out! This is why vitamin C is an essential nutrient for healthy gums and preventing oral infections.
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is primarily found in fruits and vegetables. These include berries and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons; for vegetables, you’ll find it in leafy greens and broccoli. Strawberries are also a natural teeth-whitener, so that’s a double win!
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids will help reduce inflammation of your gums as well as support any oral healing that is needed.
Foods Rich in Omega-3s
Omega-3s are found in foods like salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, sardines, edamame, eggs, and olive oil. We recommend making sure your diet has these things to not only have a healthy mouth, but to have an overall healthy body, too.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help you fight inflammation in your body and also lower your risk of gum disease.
Foods Rich in Antioxidants
To find superfoods to eat this spring with antioxidants, it’s recommended to eat foods such as berries, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, coffee, and even green tea. Green tea will also reduce that bacteria in your mouth, which will help keep your breath fresh!
Conclusion: Superfoods to Eat This Spring
You can naturally get a healthier smile this spring by eating in-season fruits such as strawberries, cherries, rhubarb, apricots, and kiwis; vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, lettuce, and kale; and meat and dairy products that are high in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3s. We hope this helped inspire some good springtime meals for you and your family!
About Krengel Dental, Modern Dentist in Bloomington, MN and St. Louis Park, MN
At Krengel Dental, we’re not your average dentist. We do everything we can to help your smile shine. If you’re looking for the best modern dentist in Bloomington, MN, or St. Louis Park, MN, we would love to help you. Visit our contact page to book an appointment with us.
