This is a guest post from dentist and author, Dr. Steven Freeman of Elite Smiles.
You brush three times a day. You floss each night. But then, admit it, you down a soda or you snack on a candy bar, undoing all that hard work and exposing your teeth to long-lasting harm. When it comes to oral health, the No. 1 thing you can do to keep your teeth and gums strong is to watch what you eat. “It’s more important than brushing; it’s more important than fluoride,” says Dr. Steven Freeman, a dentist and author of the book Why Your Teeth Might Be Killing You. “It’s even more important than visiting the dentist.”
The reason: Almost all the problems that occur in the mouth are the result of bacteria, Freeman says. Bacteria causes cavities as well as gum disease, and the main food source for bacteria also happens to be prevalent in just about everything we consume, from bread, to sauces to energy drinks. That main source would be sugar. “It’s difficult to avoid sugar, but you need to stay away from it as much as possible,” Freeman says.
Foods to Ensure Your Oral Health
Below is what Dr. Freeman recommends your diet include so that your smile stays healthy and bright. Some of these may not be surprising but at least one might be:
Vegetables
The hard, leafy greens and broccoli may be difficult to chew, but they are jam packed with vitamins and minerals that can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. “As a bonus, they also help clean your teeth while you are chewing them,” Freeman says.
Salmon and Dairy Products
Salmon is useful for oral health because it contains vitamin D, which improves calcium absorption. “I know some people are against dairy in their diet, but the calcium in dairy products is essential to maintain strong teeth and bones that support the teeth,” Freeman says.
Citrus
Vitamin C helps support the gums and ligaments around your teeth. This is why the British navy in the 19th century had lime and lemon trees on their ships, because the sailors’ teeth kept falling out without a constant source of vitamin C.
Sugar-Free Gum
No need to do a double take on this one. Freeman says that sugar-free gum, while not exactly a nutritious alternative to kale and oranges, does have its advantages. The gum stimulates saliva and saliva has anti-cavity properties. Gum also helps remove plaque from your teeth.
“Of course you still want to go to the dentist for regular checkups,” Freeman says. “This can help spot cavities when they are smaller and catch gum disease at its earliest stages.”
It is important to start an oral health routine early. For information on this check out Baby’s Oral Health: From the First Tooth to the First Trip to the Dentist.
About Dr. Steven Freeman: Dr. Steven Freeman has authored multiple bestselling books, including Why Your Teeth Might Be Killing You. He is the owner of Elite Smiles, a dental office in St. Augustine Florida that provides all phases of dentistry, including kids, braces, implants and general dentistry. Dr. Freeman is a coach and teacher to dentists worldwide. He is the founder and president of Warrior Smiles which is a not-for-profit charity that provides dental implants to veterans for free. He has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox TV and has been quoted regarding his dental expertise in several national magazines.
Picture Credit: Pixabay
