Top 10 Foods for a Healthy Smile

When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, what you put into your mouth plays a big role in your oral health. Here are 10 of our favorite foods that can help keep your teeth in good shape.

Quinoa

This tiny grain isn’t just good for your waistline. Quinoa contains a host of minerals — calcium, magnesium, manganese and phosphate — all of which strengthen teeth. Just be sure to have your floss on hand in case any of these tiny grains get stuck in your teeth!

Kiwi

Vitamin C is essential for a healthy smile, and kiwi is full of it. Research has shown that if you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen in your gums can break down, making them more susceptible to bacteria.

Shiitake Mushrooms

These mushrooms not only make a great addition to your favorite pasta or stir fry, they also fight tooth decay thanks to the antimicrobial properties in lentanin, a sugar found in shitake mushrooms.

We’ve got good news for the summer gardener. Basil can reduce bacteria in your mouth, helping combat bad breath and prevent tooth decay. No garden? No problem. Dried basil has the same properties.

Garlic

While you might be tempted to skip the garlic when you’re on a date, your teeth will thank you for eating it. The allicin in garlic gives it antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which can help fight gum disease by killing bad bacteria in your mouth while letting the good bacteria thrive.

Strawberries

Don’t let their bright red color fool you. Strawberries actually make your teeth whiter when you eat them. That’s because this sweet treat contains malic acid, a natural enamel whitener.

Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach are packed with vitamin A, which supports tooth structure by building enamel. Plus the high fiber content acts as a natural toothbrush when chewed.

Cheese

Cheese lovers of the world, rejoice! The casein and whey protein in cheese reduces demineralization in your tooth enamel. If you’re a wine drinker, be sure to pair that glass with a cheese plate, as these proteins can help counteract wine’s acidity. Cheese also contains calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth

Green & Black Tea

It’s not a food, but it’s still on our list. Despite what some may say about tea staining your teeth, green and black tea contain catechin — a natural antioxidant. Catechin has been shown to inhibit the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Sip away, tea lovers.

Blueberries, Raspberries, and Cranberries

Add something bright and sweet to your diet. All three of these berries are rich in anthocyanins, which can help prevent pathogens from attaching to your teeth.

Get a healthy smile

Do something more for your smile than eating the healthy foods that can keep your teeth happy. Give yourself the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.