Brushing and flossing are the key to a happy, healthy mouth—but did you know you can eat your way to better oral hygiene, too? It’s no secret that there are lots of foods out there that aren’t great for your oral health, but there are also foods that can help out! Keep reading for more information. 

Foods to Eat for Healthier Teeth & Gums

It’s easy to forget that in a lot of ways food is medicine, and eating the right foods can go a long way in preventing things like cavities, tooth loss, and even gum disease. A good rule of thumb for choosing mouth-healthy foods is to look for things that are unsweetened and unprocessed. Here are some of our favorites, though:

Apples

This one might surprise you since we just said “unsweetened,” but the important difference here is that there’s no added sweetness. Apples make great snacks for your teeth because of the natural, fibrous crunch they offer! This stimulation can help break up any plaque that’s built up in your mouth. A juicy, crisp apple will also jumpstart saliva production to help sweep away harmful bacteria!

Carrots

Just like apples, carrots provide a stimulating and natural crunch that your teeth and gums will love! Not to mention that carrots are chalk full of helpful vitamins, including vitamin A, several types of vitamin B, as well as keratin. 

Green Tea

If a magic health elixir existed, it would probably take the form of green tea! Green tea can actually destroy the bad bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Did you know that green tea contains natural fluoride, too? That means it can strengthen weakened enamel and effectively reverse the decay process. 

Just remember that, like with any tea or coffee, green tea can stain your teeth over time. Give your teeth a good brushing when you’re done! 

Lean Proteins

A lot of your favorite protein-rich foods, like eggs, poultry, and fish, contain phosphorus—which is great for your teeth! Fish are especially great because of the omega-3 fatty acids they contain. Eating fish or taking omega-3 supplements can help make your mouth resistant to infections and tissue detachment. If you already have gum disease, omega-3 can also help you heal more quickly between treatments. 

Ready to Impress Your Dentist at Your Next Checkup?

Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a few of these healthy snacks for you and your family! They’re great for your overall health, as well as your dental health. And if you have questions about specific foods that are good or bad for your teeth, just ask your dentist! Get in touch with LeCroy Dental today to set up an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!