Spring has sprung, and with it comes the start of garden season. While most fruits and vegetables are excellent for not only your overall health but also your dental health, there are some healthy foods that are particularly good for your teeth. Check out this list of tooth-friendly foods that are excellent for planting this spring.
Greens (Kale, Spinach, Collard Greens and Cabbage)
Greens are good for teeth because they are chock-full of minerals and vitamins that your body needs for strong teeth and bones. These include magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and beta carotene. Early spring is the right time to plant most leafy greens, so get them in the ground soon to benefit from these delicious tooth-friendly foods later in the season.
Carrots and Celery
These both physically scrub plaque and bacteria off of the teeth when eaten raw. If you can’t brush your teeth after lunch at work, for example, chewing on some carrot and celery sticks can clean your teeth and stimulate your gums. In addition, carrots are a good source of beta carotene, which your body needs to make tooth-strengthening vitamin A.
Bell Peppers, Broccoli and Strawberries
These three foods contain a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C reduces inflammation, which leads to healthier gums. They also, along with grapes and other types of berries, contain antioxidants, which also reduce inflammation and help you fight off the bacteria leading to gum disease.
Of course, no matter what you’re eating, it’s also important to brush twice daily and to floss once per day. In addition, you should see your dentist every six months (or more frequently if you have gum disease or other conditions that warrant more than two visits per year) for a cleaning and a dental checkup.
If you have questions about tooth-friendly foods, give our office a call to schedule an appointment.