For years, you’ve been taught that sugary foods rot your teeth—but rarely do we focus on the food groups that actually benefit our teeth and gums.

Teeth like other parts of your body require proper nutrition. A healthy diet can prevent cavities and gum diseases, and help keep your teeth healthy. The nutrients such as fluoride and calcium present in your toothpaste can be acquired from the nature. Here is a list of minerals and foods that are good for your teeth and gums.

Phosphorous And Calcium

The enamel is made out of minerals, deficiency of minerals cause decay and infections. You can restore the lost mineral content by consuming foods rich in calcium and phosphorous.

Calcium Source: milk, yogurt, cheese, seafood, almonds, tofu, and etc.

Phosphorus Source: fish, red meat, eggs, tofu, broth, pumpkin seed, Brazil nuts, and etc.

Food High In Water Content

Foods with high water content like cucumber can be good for you. This gives your palate a thorough cleansing. The chewing generates excess saliva which neutralizes the bacteria in your mouth, whereas the texture of crunchy foods rids your teeth of plaque.

Food With High Water Content: cucumbers, apple, celery, carrots, etc.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium in your body, and calcium is highly essential for the strengthening of bones and teeth.

Vitamin D Source: soak in the sunlight, or add eggs yolk, cod liver oil and fish in your diet.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C builds immunity system by preventing inflammation and strengthening the blood vessels. It can help your gums stay healthy and infection free. It also boosts the production of collagen in your body, a protein that helps against dental diseases.

Vitamin C source: oranges, strawberries, kale, kiwi, bell pepper, etc.

Foods Rich In Probiotics

Probiotics are micro-organisms that are good for your health, specifically digestive system. They are also known as good bacteria.

They replace the good bacteria working in your body. They also stabilize the ratio of good and bad bacteria.

Hence, a good source to balance the bacterial activity in your mouth. Probiotics promotes healthy gums and reduce plaque.

Probiotics Source: fermented food items like sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), miso, yogurt, etc.

Food Group Containing Anthocyanins, Polyphenols And Arginine

Anthocyanins are a water-soluble pigment found in foods like black berry. It can help prevent plaque and also helps fight oral cancer.

Polyphenols, a class of organic chemicals that slows down bacteria growth and prevents bad breath and gum diseases.  Lastly, arginine is a type of amino acid that also prevents plaque and cavities.

Sources of anthocyanins: eggplant, plums, cherries, berries, grapes, etc.

Sources of polyphenols: berries, green tea, flaxseed, cocoa, etc.

Sources of arginine: soy, nuts, meat, etc.

Antioxidant Foods

Antioxidants can be good for your skin, weight loss, immunity system, and your teeth. They protect your gums and tissues from contracting infection and help reduce inflammation in your gums.

Source of antioxidants: nuts, beans, grapes, berries, apples, etc.

A healthy diet accompanied with regular visits to a dental clinic every six month can ensure oral health.  Visit ICC Smiles for your dental treatments. We provide various dental services in a safe and healthy environment.