While dental exams and routine cleanings are very important, at Country Club Dental we know that what you do outside of the dental office can have a huge impact on your teeth. Did you know that one of the best ways to take care of your teeth is by eating the right foods? Many of us know what foods are not good for our teeth, like soda and alcohol, but what are the best foods for healthy teeth?
Best Foods for Healthy Teeth
Calcium-Rich Foods
We’ve known for a long time that calcium is good for bone health, but did you know that it’s also great for your dental health? The mineral calcium helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and protect your teeth from decay. Because of this, calcium-rich foods are some of the best foods for your teeth. Here are some of the best ways to get your daily calcium intake:
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Fortified Plant-Based Milk
Most people associate dairy milk with being high in calcium. While this is true, don’t worry if you don’t like dairy or avoid it in your diet, because plant-based milk like almond and oat milk are typically fortified with calcium. Sometimes they have an even better calcium content than dairy milk. Always double-check the label to make sure the one you purchase has plenty of calcium!
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Chia Seeds
Surprisingly, chia seeds are rich in calcium! Even better, chia seeds also contain boron, a mineral that helps us utilize the calcium we intake. Chia seeds can be used in many ways—you can add them to smoothies or oatmeal, or soak them in water/plant milk for a calcium-rich health pudding.
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White Beans
Another food that’s high in calcium that may surprise you is white beans. Beans are great for your dental health and easy to incorporate into meals. They work in soups, salads, dips and even dessert recipes, thanks to their mild taste and versatile nature.
Vitamin D
There’s a good reason Vitamin D is often listed as one of the most important vitamins in our diet. Not only does it build your immune system, but it allows your body to properly absorb the calcium you consume. You can get Vitamin D in a variety of ways; from the sun, from supplements, or from these Vitamin D rich foods.
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Salmon
When it comes to getting your daily dose of vitamin D in, salmon is the perfect food. In a six-ounce serving, there is more than 100% of your daily vitamin D needs. Salmon is also high in omegas, which are great for brain health, making it a great dinner option for all-around health.
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Mushrooms
White mushrooms are another great source of vitamin D. In one half-cup serving you can get almost half your daily need of vitamin D. Mushrooms are an incredibly versatile ingredient, and a great addition to any meal—even your morning eggs.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants seem to be a popular topic of conversation these days, and for good reason. Free radicals are molecules that can harm our bodies, and antioxidants work to combat them. If you’re looking for the best foods for dental health, antioxidant-rich foods are the way to go.
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Dark Leafy Greens
Is kale a health fad or a superfood? If you answered superfood, you’re right! As trendy as kale may be as an ingredient, it is packed with antioxidants, and it’s alkaline, which is great for your saliva. If kale isn’t your thing, no need to worry, there are plenty of other dark leafy greens to try, such as arugula, bok choy, and collard greens.
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Green Tea
Green tea definitely lives up to its superfood hype as well. It boosts dental health benefits like inflammation reduction, gum disease prevention, and of course, it’s packed full of antioxidants. It also contains a compound called Polyphenols, which is great for overall dental health. If you usually drink coffee or soda throughout the day, try swapping some of it with hot or iced green tea, which is a much better option for your teeth.
Do You Have Questions About Maintaining Healthy Teeth?
The staff at Country Club Dental is passionate about your dental health, and we are here to support you with resources and answers for all of your questions. Eating a balanced diet that includes some of the best foods for healthy teeth is only part of the dental health equation. If you need to schedule an appointment for a routine cleaning or other dental care, you can call us at 928-526-4314 or schedule an appointment online!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/23/21). Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
