Eating for Oral Health

As a dentist who grew up on a farm in Eastern Oregon, I have a unique perspective on the importance of dental health and the benefits of natural foods. My upbringing provided me with an appreciation for fresh, wholesome ingredients and the impact they can have on overall health, including dental health. Let's explore the top 10 foods for optimizing dental health.

Cheese: Rich in calcium and phosphates, cheese helps to neutralize acids in the mouth, promoting enamel strength and healthy teeth. Additionally, cheese has a unique ability to stimulate saliva production, which washes away food particles and helps to prevent tooth decay. I often recommend cheese as a tooth-friendly snack for their patients.

Leafy greens: Growing up on a farm in Eastern Oregon, we learned the importance of growing and consuming a variety of vegetables, including leafy greens like spinach and kale. These greens are rich in calcium and folic acid, which can help to strengthen tooth enamel and promote gum health. I encourage patients to incorporate leafy greens into their diets for their dental benefits and overall health advantages.

Apples: Although apples are sweet, they are high in fiber and water, which can help stimulate saliva production, wash away food particles, and neutralize acids in the mouth. As a child on the farm, I enjoyed fresh apples straight from the tree, and now advise patients that apples can be a tooth-friendly snack option when eaten in moderation.

Carrots: Carrots were a staple crop on our family farm, often eating them straight from the ground! With a little washing, of course. Their crunchy texture and high fiber content make them an excellent choice for promoting dental health. Chewing on carrots can help to clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, reducing the risk of cavities. As a dentist, I recommend carrots as a healthy snack option for patients of all ages.

Almonds: Almonds are a good source of calcium and protein, which can help to strengthen teeth and support healthy gums. They are a great sustainable, nutrient-dense food and are a wholesome snack alternative.

Green tea: Although not grown on my farm, green tea is a beverage I've come to appreciate for its dental health benefits, among a myriad of other health benefits. Containing natural antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea can help to reduce inflammation and fight oral bacteria, promoting overall dental health. Green tea, hot or iced, may my be consumed as an alternative to sugary or acidic beverages that can erode tooth enamel.

Yogurt: Another dairy product with dental health benefits, yogurt is high in calcium and probiotics, which can help to strengthen tooth enamel and promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. As a dentist, I teach of the importance of maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, and often suggest yogurt as a beneficial addition to my patients' diets.

Flax Seed: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, flax seed can help to reduce inflammation and support the absorption of calcium, promoting strong teeth and healthy gums. Flax meal can be used in baking and smoothies to add dense nutrition to your diet, improving oral health while also increasing the radiance of your skin, hair, and nails.

Celery: The benefits of celery are many, while its fibrous texture can help to clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, washing away food particles and neutralizing acids in the mouth. As a dentist, I encourage patients to include celery in their diet as a healthy, low-calorie snack.

Strawberries: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and malic acid, strawberries can help to strengthen gums, promote collagen production, and naturally whiten teeth. Even though strawberries are sweet, their high vitamin C content is beneficial for gum health. I recommend incorporating strawberries into a balanced diet for their dental and overall health benefits, while still maintaining proper oral hygiene to prevent any possible negative effects from natural sugars in the fruit.

Remember that a balanced diet, regular dental check-ups, and a good oral hygiene routine are all essential for maintaining optimal dental health.