Most people today know and accept that at least to some extent you are what you eat. This idea holds true that when you put good things into your body the systems work as they should and optimum health can be achieved, and when bad things are put into the body the exact opposite happens and we suffer from illness and disease. Eating for better health is a common trend among the health-conscious of society today but this also extends to very specific areas of the body and overall health, such as oral health. One thing many people do not think about when trying to keep their teeth and gums healthy is the foods they eat. There are many foods that keep teeth healthy and that should be included in the diet daily. Here are a few of them:
Water
By far, the best beverage that you can drink for your overall health as well as for maintaining good oral health is pure filtered water. Regular plain filtered water is good for the entire body because it helps keep you hydrated, provides moisture for good eating and digestion, and helps rinse the teeth and gums of food particles while eating. It is by far a better choice than sugary drinks like soda or drinks with high levels of acid like many fruit juices and alcohols. You need at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and avoid certain health issues. When it comes to foods that keep teeth healthy, none are better than good old H2O! A higher level of activity or certain work or living environments can raise this some, so be sure to speak to your dentist and healthcare provider about your water intake requirements.
Dairy
For those who are not lactose intolerant, a great choice for daily diets is dairy of some kind. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are great for calcium, which of course helps strengthen bones and teeth and keeps your teeth and jawbone healthy. Dairy products are also usually much lower in sugar than other foods, which is a great way to boost healthy foods in your diet and cut out excess sugars. Dairy products are also a good source of protein, which is needed for a range of system functions including cell regeneration, blood health, tissue health and much more! When it comes to foods that keep teeth healthy having a good balance of dairy in your diet is a great way to start eating for better health and dental strength. This is a good step to make in your search for foods that keep teeth healthy!
Meats
Lean meats are a great food source that can help improve overall health and keep your teeth and gums healthier and stronger as well. Phosphorus-rich meats include poultry, fish, lean beef, and eggs. These foods are packed with good nutrients that can go a long way in helping to strengthen your teeth and supply the nutrients the body needs. Healthy fats can also be gained from these meat choices, and these are necessary for every function of the body and serve as the fuel the body needs to keep working and functioning. If you choose not to eat red meat it is important you speak with your health care provider to ensure you are getting enough protein from other sources to keep your body healthy and strong.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies are two of the food groups that no one would argue is an important part of any balanced diet. Not only do they supply the body with vital nutrients and vitamins but they can also help clean the teeth and keep the strong. Chewing on crunchy carrots and celery helps clean the teeth and stimulates saliva production to keep the mouth moist and clean. Vitamins and minerals in these delicious foods help supply teeth and gums with the building blocks that keep them healthy and strong. You can work healthy fruits into your diet with smoothies and shakes as well as a replacement for unhealthy desserts. You can work veggies into your diet with salads and healthy side dishes at lunch and dinner. Make sure you are adding these fruits and veggies to your diet. Raspberries, kale, pomegranate, garlic, Brussel sprouts, eggplant, banana, blueberry, cranberry, strawberry, avocado, pineapple. These and many other fruits and veggies can add much needed nutrients and vitamins to your body and they make it easier to enjoy foods that keep teeth healthy each and every day.
Nuts
Nuts are packed full of healthy fats, proteins, and minerals that are very important for overall health but especially true for many of the minor nutrients that are essential for healthy teeth and gums. Nuts are a great choice for snacks because almost all of them are low in carbohydrates and thus will not add to your risk of bacteria, tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. Another benefit is that much like chewing raw veggies, the crunchy nuts help strengthen the teeth and can remove bacteria deposits. You can add some to a salad, as part of a side dish or for a healthy mid-day snack! It is an easy way to take a step towards eating foods that keep teeth healthy as part of your daily diet. Raw nuts are the best choice for your health. Following is a list of nuts you might choose and some of the benefits to your health.
Remember nuts still contain calories so control yourself as you add some of these to your list of foods that keep teeth healthy:
Walnuts contain a number of benefits that you won’t find in all nuts One of them is Ellagic acid. This a cancer-fighting substance usually found in fruits like pomegranate and strawberries. Ellagic acid has also been found to benefit those with prostate cancer, according to 2010 study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. Walnuts are also full of a polyphenols, a compound with powerful antioxidants that help to rid the system of free radicals. A 2011 study published in Food & Function found that walnuts actually have the highest amount potent of polyphenols compared to any other nut.
Hazelnuts are one of the least eaten nuts. A single serving of hazelnuts contains 86% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E and ½ the daily amount of magnesium. Many postmenopausal women are deficient in magnesium so a couple handfuls of hazelnuts may be a good idea. There are also high amounts of B vitamins in hazelnuts.
Brazil Nuts full of minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, potassium. Equally as important they contain selenium. Selenium helps to regulate your thyroid and helps boost your immune system. Brazil nuts also have a lot of zinc which is good for people prone to acne. Brazil nuts are a good choice to help keep your skin looking young as well.
While Pine Nuts are used in pesto sauces they also contain pinolenic acid and this can only be gotten from pine nuts. Pinolenic acid has been found to help with weight loss as it curbs hunger by triggering two hormones that are hunger suppressants, GLP-1 and CCK. It also helps to lower cholesterol as it helps the liver filter out harmful LDL cholesterol, according to a 2004 study published in Lipids. For individuals worried about their eye health, pine nuts contain lutein a carotenoid that many studies have found to help fight age-related macular degeneration.
Almonds offer the highest amount of fiber, they contain as much as 3 grams of fiber per ounce. Almonds have also been found to help fight high cholesterol and heart disease. They are just another example of delicious and healthy foods that keep teeth healthy and strong!
Pecans. The USDA has pecans in the list of top 20 foods for the amount of antioxidants they contain. Pecans also have 245 percent of the daily value of manganese, this a mineral important for your heart health. You can also receive 65 percent of your needed copper from pecans, with 33 percent of your needed zinc and magnesium. For those that have diabetes, almonds are a great snack as they contain oleic acid. This has been shown to regulate the way insulin and glucose are produced.
Macadamia Nuts offer a very high amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. This type of fat is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Macadamia nuts can be up to 80 percent monounsaturated fat. These nuts can help by reducing LDL cholesterol which can in turn help to lower your risk of heart disease, yet another example of how foods that keep teeth healthy can be delicious and easy to enjoy.
Unlike many animals on the planet, we humans only have one permanent set of teeth so it is important that we take care of them. Choosing healthy foods each and every day can go a long way! These are just some of the foods that help to keep our bodies healthy; there are many more out there to discover and enjoy. Remember there are many links to your oral health and overall health. At Kopp Dental we care about all of you, not just your teeth. Call today to set up a consultation appointment. We would love to speak with you about how you can start enjoying better teeth and gums starting right now by enjoying foods that keep teeth healthy and strong!