Our Favorite Foods for Healthy Teeth

You probably realize the foods you choose have an impact on your waistline, heart health, and overall well-being, but did you know your diet can also affect your oral health?

In honor of National Nutrition Month, Drs. McLaughlin, Jumani, Myself, and the entire dental team here at Redmond Signature Dentistry would like to share a few of our favorite healthy staples:

Apples and Pears:

Crisp apples effectively “scrub” away plaque and can also freshen your breath. Raw pears neutralize acids in your mouth.
Try this: Slice apples and bring them with you to work to enjoy as a healthy, tooth-cleaning mid-afternoon snack!

Carrots and Celery:

Loaded with fibrous strands, celery is basically “nature’s floss.” Crunchy carrots are natural tooth scrubbers!
Try this: Keep a baggie of carrots and celery slices with you in the car for a quick and easy on-the-go snack!

Cheese and Yogurt:

Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are a satisfying source of enamel-strengthening calcium. They can even help replace minerals in your teeth!
Try this: Add low-fat yogurt to your morning smoothie for a punch of tooth-strengthening calcium!

Leafy Greens:

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens scrub debris off your teeth as you chew them.
Try this: Create a delicious spinach or kale salad with your favorite veggies, lean protein, and a flavorful vinaigrette for a satisfying work lunch!

Strawberries:

Strawberries are a low-calorie, tasty source of malic acid, a natural whitening agent.
Try this: Enjoy strawberries any time of the day – on your morning oatmeal, in a summer salad, or as a delicious dessert!

Sugar-Free Gum:

Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, washing away acids produced by bacteria.
Try this: Keep a pack of sugar-free gum in your car, purse, or work desk so you can chew it when you don’t have the opportunity to brush after a meal.

Water:

Drinking plenty of water daily has many health benefits. Drinking a glass of water after meals flushes excess sugar and debris off of your teeth.
Try this: Add strawberries, mint, and cucumbers to your water for a natural, refreshing flavor boost!

Clean eating is good for your overall health, waistline, AND your teeth! Check out more healthy recipes for National Nutrition Month on Pinterest.