When it comes to your teeth, everyone knows routine checkups, flossing, and brushing are important. Beyond that, though, it’s strongly recommended that you fill your diet with foods that are kind to your teeth. Otherwise even great dental care may not be able to prevent problems. Below are five foods experienced dentists recommend to promote excellent oral health.

Foods That Improve Your Oral Hygiene

1. Apples

Apples are an example of detergent foods, which help to clean your mouth while you eat them. The sweetness and juiciness of apples encourage your mouth to produce more saliva, which loosens and breaks down food particles stuck in your teeth and counteracts acids that damage tooth enamel. The fiber that naturally occurs in apples helps dislodge food as well as being good for your gums. Finally, apples contain vitamin A, which helps restore enamel.

2. Dairy

Your dentist might have told you this before, but foods that contain dairy, such as yogurt, milk, and cheese, are great for your dental health. They provide plentiful levels of calcium, which is a necessary component of the healthy growth and restoration of tooth enamel. This strengthens your teeth, protecting them from easily being damaged or prone to cavities. Calcium also leads to stronger bones, which means your jaw will more securely hold your teeth in place.

3. Meat

Meats that have lots of protein in them, including fish, provide phosphorus, another crucial element in the strength of your teeth. Phosphorus boosts calcium’s efficacy at strengthening your bones, and it works with calcium to encourage the buildup of enamel.

4. Oily Fish

Tuna, sardines, and salmon are all types of oily fish that contain vitamin D. This particular vitamin plays a key role in the health of your teeth and your diet because it controls the body’s levels of calcium and phosphorus, encouraging the absorption of them and other key nutrients. Without vitamin D, the other foods you eat to benefit your teeth wouldn’t be as effective, and your dentist would notice the difference.

5. Leafy Greens

Kale, spinach, collard greens, and similar vegetables contain high levels of calcium and folic acid. You already know why calcium is important to teeth, but folic acid is equally essential. According to one study done by a periodontist, it’s linked to healthy gums due to its positive effects on oral mucosa, which fights infections in the gums, such as periodontitis. Your dentist will be happy to see an increased amount of greens in your diet.

For more dental tips and quality dentist care, consider the team at Darr Dentistry in Thomasville, NC, for your dental needs. Their practice covers a range of oral health expertise, including cosmetic and pediatric dentistry. They work with several major insurances, and they offer a 5% discount for cash or check payments on work over $500. Their experienced periodontist and dental team foster a comforting, relaxed atmosphere while using the latest methods and technologies to optimize your dental care, from teeth whitening to crowns. Learn more about their treatments online or call (336) 475-1614.