Diet plays an essential role in oral health. You can brush, floss, and visit the dentist as much as you want — without eating healthy, your smile will eventually suffer. There are a number of tooth-friendly foods to incorporate into your diet that keep teeth healthy and fortify enamel. Integrate the following foods into your diet to achieve a healthy smile.

Dentist Recommended Foods That Are Good for Teeth

1. Eggs

Eggs get a bad rap when it comes to health in general. In truth, they’re one of the healthiest foods you can eat. The yolks contain a large dose of vitamin D, which is important for calcium absorption. The high phosphate count also contributes to enamel re-mineralization. Enjoy them scrambled, hard-boiled, poached, or mixed into a dish, and add healthy vegetables like dark leafy greens as a side.

2. Plain Yogurt

One of the best foods you can eat is plain yogurt. It’s rich in calcium, an essential mineral for strengthening teeth and re-mineralizing enamel. Yogurt is extremely versatile — you can mix any number of fruits, nuts, and other healthy toppings in to create a super meal. Or, try substituting plain yogurt for your next mayonnaise-heavy recipe for a healthy twist.

3. Apples

The texture of apples acts like a natural toothbrush for your teeth and will scrape off plaque while you’re eating. Apples are also an excellent source of fiber. Fiber aids digestion and prevents gastrointestinal reflux. There are a number of apple varieties, and you can easily mix them in a fruit salad or with plain yogurt. Avoid apple juice, however, as it’s loaded with sugar.

If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning, turn to dentist Jim S. Caudill, DMD, PSC, of Hazard, KY. Serving the area since 1975, this dentist offers comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services. He’ll create a detailed care plan and takes extra measures to educate patients about proper dental care. Call (606) 436-3432 to schedule an exam and visit Dr. Caudill’s website to learn more about the practice.