Healthy Food for Healthy Teeth

Healthy foods for healthy teeth We know there are foods that we should not eat because they will damage our teeth or cause decay,
but do you know what foods are actually good for your teeth? Often our teeth and mouth are our last thought when we think about being healthy. But it’s a good idea for the following items to be incorporated into your daily diet, to help keep your teeth strong and gums healthy.

Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese are important because they have plenty of phosphorous and calcium that can help strengthen teeth enamel and help with re-mineralization. They also promote saliva secretion, which can have a preventative effect, as saliva protects teeth against bacteria and balances the mouth’s pH level. For those who are lactose intolerant, enriched soy milk can be a good alternative as it usually has added calcium. (Many people are low in all sorts of vitamins or minerals. Comprehensive testing is available from functional medicine doctors and nutritionists that can identify what you are lacking).

Don’t like celery? Well, celery is considered an “abrasive” food item due to its high fiber content. It can help protect teeth and its enamel by cleaning the surface of the teeth. Its fibrous nature also requires longer chewing time, which also can promote saliva secretion and maintain a healthy pH level in the mouth. The gums, which are also integral to healthy tooth enamel, are also massaged in the chewing process to ensure its health.

Hopefully, you like berries. Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are important in maintaining the overall health of the oral cavity. They have a natural exfoliating effect due to its malic acid content, and can also help whiten your teeth while removing enamel-harming tartar. There is no need to actively rub the actual fruit on the teeth; however, as an excess of malic acid may actually do harm and dissolve tooth enamel. To keep your teeth enamel and oral cavity healthy, just incorporate strawberries in your diet, as a snack or a healthy dessert.

GET YOUR VITAMIN D.

Studies have shown that vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a key role in regulating proteins that create tooth enamel. So foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as fish oil, cold-water fish, or enriched egg yolks, are great for strengthening and possibly re-mineralizing tooth enamel. For example, canned sardines are a great super food that is rich in vitamin D. Beneficial for strengthening tooth enamel, and you can also eat the bones of the fish for added bone-strengthening calcium and fluoride.

Most animal proteins, such as chicken and beef, contain phosphorus, which is a mineral essential to healthy tooth enamel. When phosphorus is paired with calcium and vitamin D, healthy bones and teeth are created. Tofu may be an alternative option for vegetarians, as it contains a good amount of protein, and may also have the added benefits of calcium and magnesium.

Your friendly root canal specialists in New York City, Fifth Avenue Endodontics, encourage you to make healthy choices, not just for your teeth, but for your body and your longevity. We welcome all questions concerning tooth health, cavities, and root canal procedures. See our next article for more on this topic.