HEALTHY MAGAZINE | Advisor Client Content
1 ALMONDS Almonds are a favorite powerhouse snack because they are packed with vitamin E, healthy fats, protein, and calcium, and they are also good for your teeth because they have very little sugar. However, whole almonds are hard and could be difficult to chew, so if you want to get all the oral health benefits without the risk of cracked or fractured teeth, eat sliced almonds instead.
2 CRUNCHY FRUITS & VEGETABLES Crunchy vegetables and fruits are great for your teeth and your overall health because they are often low in calories and high in fiber, water and other essential vitamins and minerals. Eating fruits and veggies such as apples, carrots and celery produce saliva in your mouth that washes away bacteria, and the fibrous texture helps “brush” your teeth between meals. These foods are definitely not a substitute for brushing your teeth every morning and night, but adding them to your daily diet is a great way to clean teeth in the middle of the day.
3 LEAFY GREENS
4 TEETHFRIENDLY FOODS
There’s no denying that leafy greens are a great addition to your meals, and not just for weight loss reasons. Leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals while also being low in calories and sugar. Foods like spinach and kale contain folic acid, a B-vitamin that has been linked to improved outcomes for treating gum disease, and calcium, which is great for your tooth enamel. They’re also easy to eat; you can throw a handful of spinach into your next smoothie, use it in place of romaine or iceberg lettuce on your salad, or add it as a topping to pizzas and pasta dishes.
4 DAIRY PRODUCTS
YOU SHOULD EAT Dental health is about more than just brushing and flossing; equally important is what kinds of foods you put in your mouth and in your body. Most people know the foods to avoid for better oral health—such as sugary sodas, treats, and sticky candy—but do you also know which foods should be part of your diet? There are some that are better for your teeth than others.
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If you believe that cheese makes everything better, you’re in luck. A study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the journal of the American Academy of General Dentistry, reported that people who eat cheese have higher levels of pH in their mouth, which reduces the risk of tooth decay. The findings indicate that since cheese requires more chewing it increases saliva, which is good for teeth. Yogurt is another dairy product good for the health of your mouth. Both cheese and yogurt are high in protein and calcium, which help strengthen tooth enamel and promote strong and healthy teeth, and the probiotics in yogurt can also help reduce the chances for gum disease as the good bacteria crowd out bad bacteria that might cause cavities. Just remember to choose yogurt varieties with little or no added sugar. Avoiding unhealthy food and drinks is good, but adding some beneficial foods to your diet can also improve your oral health. Talk to your dentist today about the foods she or he would recommend for a healthy, beautiful smile.
William Carroll, DDS
Roseman University of Health Sciences South Jordan Campus 801.302.2600 rosemandental.com Dr. Carroll is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan, Utah. He graduated from the UCSF School of Dentistry, completed a two-year AEGD residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and recently retired from the US Navy after more than 30 years of service.
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