While regular brushing and flossing are key components to your dental care routine, nutrition also plays an important role. Dental care should also encompass a diet of foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Discovering the foods you should be eating will improve and maintain the health of your smile.

Best Foods to Eat for Healthy Teeth

1. Cheese

If you’re a fan of cheese, you may already be helping your smile. Cheese is filled with calcium, which is essential in strengthening teeth, as well as building bones – including those in your jaw. Firmer, aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda also serve dental care needs by lowering the acids in your mouth and fighting plaque.

2. Fatty Fish

Vitamin D helps your body more readily absorb calcium – making sure you get the most out of that nutrient – while also reducing swelling and bleeding in the gums. Eat fish like salmon and tuna to increase your vitamin D intake.

3. Leafy Greens

Dark green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli, all contain folic acid and offer whole oral health care. Not only does folic acid deter plaque from forming by increasing saliva production, but it also has been shown to combat gingivitis, which is caused by bacteria-inducted infections. Folic acid reduces inflammation and redness of the gums, keeping them healthy and bacteria free.  

4. Orange Vegetables

Eating vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes can also improve your dental health. These foods are rich in vitamin A, which aids in building tooth enamel. Your enamel protects the inner, sensitive pulp of your teeth, which can lead to severe discomfort if penetrated. As a plus, vitamin A can also combat dry mouth effects, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

If you want to discover more foods that are healthy for your smile, talk to the professionals at Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS in Kailua Kona, HI. Dr. Yokoyama strives to provide personalized care for all patients, which is why he allows enough time to answer questions, whether they’re nutrition related or simply involve dental care tips. To learn more about how Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS can help you take your smile to the next level, visit them online or call (808) 322-0101.