Are there alkaline foods that are good for dental health? Absolutely. Your diet affects much more than just your digestive system—it plays a key role in your oral health as well. Eating alkaline foods for dental health can help balance the pH levels in your mouth, reduce acid erosion, and lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In our last blog, we discussed the importance of saliva pH. Today, we’re diving into the best foods to support a healthier, more alkaline environment in your mouth.
Best Alkaline Foods for Dental Health
1. Green Leafy Vegetables & Herbs
Leafy green vegetables supply an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals and also have an alkalizing effect on the body. Try including a few servings a day of spinach, kale, parsley, basil, arugula, or mustard greens in your meals.
2. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like sweet potato, taro root, lotus root, beets, and carrots are great alkaline foods. Enjoy these root veggies by roasting them on a sheet pan, or by using them in soups, salads, and stir fry.
3. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables get their name from the Latin name for crucifix because when they bloom they resemble a cross. They are a diverse group of vegetables that have risen in popularity due to their cancer-fighting properties. Cruciferous vegetables also rank high on the alkalinity scale. Some popular ones include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.
4. Nuts & Seeds
Not all nuts are quite the same when it comes to acidity and alkalinity. If you are in need of a quick alkaline snack, reach for these nuts or seeds: almonds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds. But avoid peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and Brazil nuts, which are acidic.
5. Avocado
In recent years, avocado has boomed in popularity as a “healthy” fat. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps alkalize the body. Avocado goes great in salads and soups, as well as on scrambled eggs and toast.
6. Onions & Garlic
Onions and garlic are staples in a variety of cuisines because of the flavor they offer. Raw garlic is not only alkaline, but also a great anti-inflammatory. And both white and red onions have a ton of nutritional benefits and are alkaline as well. In fact, lightly cooking onions increases their alkalinity. Both onions and garlic are also prebiotics that help the digestive system utilize probiotics more effectively.
Compassionate Flagstaff, Arizona Dentist
You truly are what you eat, especially when it comes to your teeth. Choosing alkaline foods for dental health can help protect your smile, balance your body’s pH, and support your overall wellness. At Country Club Dental in Flagstaff, we encourage our patients to make smart dietary choices that benefit both oral and digestive health. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a visit with us today to learn how alkaline foods and professional dental care can work together to keep your smile healthy for life.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use. Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash (9/17/2020)
