We all know that healthy teeth and gums start with good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are vital, as are semi-annual dental visits for professional cleaning. But did you know that what you eat can affect your smile? What are the best foods for teeth?
Certain foods can improve your teeth, while anti-inflammatory foods can help your gums, especially if you’re on the edge of gum disease. Healthy eating can help your mouth just as much as the rest of your body.
At Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry, we want to help you do all you can to keep your mouth healthy. Let’s explore some of the best nutritional and anti-inflammatory foods for your teeth and gums!
Foods to Make Your Mouth Happy
The right foods contribute to your overall health, including oral health. Natural anti-inflammatories can keep your gums healthy, which helps keep your teeth healthy. They can also help reduce bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
For a healthy mouth, consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and “good” fats. Limit sugary and processed foods, which can contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup.
Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, can help combat inflammation, too. They also provide vitamins and minerals needed to keep your teeth strong and gums free of gum disease.
Many leafy greens, including kale and spinach, have calcium, which can strengthen your teeth. Some berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, contain iron to improve blood supply to your gums and antibacterial properties to combat the cause of gum disease.
Ten Best Foods to Eat for Teeth
We all know a healthy diet is good for the body. Meats and dairy products provide protein and minerals for strong muscles and bones. Fruits, vegetables, and grains supply vitamins and minerals essential for our organs. But what foods help teeth?
Here are some of the best foods for teeth and how they can help your smile.
- Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and other anti-inflammatory fruits are rich in antioxidants and compounds that can help fight inflammation. They also contain iron and “good” sugars that resist bacteria instead of encouraging growth.
- Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects. They are also high in iron and protein.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that combat inflammation, as well as calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Consider adding turmeric to your dishes or drinking turmeric tea.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It fights the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. It can be used in cooking, added to tea, or consumed as a supplement.
- Turmeric and Ginger Tea: Combine turmeric and ginger for a soothing and anti-inflammatory herbal tea. This drink is high in properties that combat bacteria and promote healthy blood circulation in the gums and teeth.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and other nuts provide healthy fats and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. They also contain protein for strong jaw muscles!
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of NSAIDs. It is also a good source of vitamin K, which helps with calcium absorption and strengthens teeth.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, tomatoes have been shown to reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Broccoli: A cruciferous vegetable containing sulforaphane with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It also contains calcium and vitamin K for stronger teeth.
Spice Up Your Diet for Good Dental Health!
The foods on our anti-inflammatory foods list can help your teeth and gums, but certain herbs and spices can also help. Many of these contain anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that promote good oral and overall health.
- Rosemary: Contains rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Cinnamon: Contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Garlic: Contains sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Green Tea: Rich in polyphenols, green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Oregano: Contains compounds like carvacrol that have anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Basil: Contains compounds like eugenol that can help reduce inflammation.
- Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, which has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Black Pepper: Contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of other beneficial compounds.
- Chamomile: A soothing herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, often consumed as a tea.
- Licorice Root: Contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. Use in moderation.
Some can be used for cooking, while others are good with desserts or herbal tea. Using these occasionally can help keep your mouth healthy, and the flavors may keep it happy, too!
Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Teeth and Gums
Eating right is just as crucial for your teeth and gums as it is for the rest of your body. Certain foods can benefit your mouth by reducing inflammation and fighting the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene habits alongside good eating habits. Brush and floss your teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally twice a year. If you need a dental cleaning in Fayetteville, AR, schedule an appointment with Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry.
