In honor of National Dentist Day: 5 foods for a healthier smile
National Dentist Day is March 6, and the dentists at Texas A&M College of Dentistry remind you to brush, floss and visit your local dentist twice a year for professional cleanings. In between those cleanings, here are five foods – sometimes called natural toothbrushes – dentists suggest eating to protect your teeth:
Carrots
Chewing raw carrots helps remove debris from your teeth and may offer your gums a gentle massage.
“The vitamin A and calcium in carrots are beneficial for dental enamel,” said Dr. Janna Burnett, clinical associate professor in the comprehensive dentistry department.
“Beta carotene, found in carrots, is excellent for bone health and can help strengthen your jaws,” Burnett said.
Celery
The fibrous texture of celery helps disrupt plaque biofilm. Celery has similar benefits to carrots in terms of being rich in calcium and vitamin A. The crunchy texture is beneficial for bone health.
Cheese
Cheese is high in calcium and phosphate, which is beneficial for bone health. Cheese also helps to neutralize an acidic oral environment. The addition of cheese may help prevent demineralization of dental enamel. Cheese also increases salivary production, which in turn can wash away sugar and bacteria.
Avocados
The healthy fats and antioxidants found in avocados are beneficial for fighting inflammation, which may be beneficial for periodontal health. They are rich in vitamins E, K and C and potassium, which help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Strawberries
“While some acids may contribute to enamel demineralization, the malic acid found in strawberries may help reduce tooth surface stains,” Burnett said.
Some studies show strawberries contain elements that help prevent pathogenic oral bacteria from causing damage to the teeth; however, those pesky strawberry seeds could get suck in your teeth – a natural reminder to keep flossing.
With all food, remember to sip water instead of soda, juice or alcohol during and after eating. Drinking water during and after meals helps to remove food particles and helps keep your mouth’s natural pH balance. The American Dental Association recommends water with fluoride because it provides additional protection against cavities.
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry) in Dallas is a part of Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Health. Founded in 1905, the College of Dentistry is a nationally recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care and continuing dental education. Learn more at dentistry.tamu.edu and follow @TAMUdental.