You know that brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. But did you know that your diet plays a significant role in better oral health? Let’s explore some delicious foods that can help keep your teeth strong and your smile bright!

These foods are also mentioned in this video, which does a good job of further explaining why they are good for your teeth and gums. Watch the video, check out our tips for getting more of these foods into your diet, and then call Northpointe Dental Care at 763-200-5807 to schedule your next exam and cleaning. 

Crunchy Fruits and Veggies: Nature’s Toothbrushes

Three foods that are especially healthy for your smile are apples, strawberries, broccoli. Here are some ways to get more of them into your diet:

  • Apples – An apple a day might just keep the dentist away! These crunchy fruits act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away plaque and freshening breath. To eat more of them, try slicing apples for a quick snack, adding diced apples to oatmeal or yogurt in the morning, or making a healthy apple slaw for sandwiches.
  • Strawberries – These berries contain malic acid, which can naturally whiten teeth. Enjoy them by eating them fresh as a snack, adding sliced strawberries to your salad, and blending them into a smoothie.
  • Broccoli – This cruciferous vegetable is high in fiber and can help clean teeth. Incorporate more broccoli by steaming it as a side dish, adding it to stir-fries, and enjoying it raw with hummus or or other dip as a snack.

Cheese, Please!

Cheese is a dental superstar. It’s rich in calcium and phosphates that help remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to cavities. Plus, it stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleanses your mouth. Try:

  • Snacking on cheese cubes
  • Adding a slice to your sandwich
  • Sprinkling grated cheese on your salad or soup

Try These Other Tooth-Friendly Foods

For the healthiest mouth, add these other foods and drinks to your diet:

  • Nuts – Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are packed with calcium and phosphorus, minerals that help keep teeth strong.
  • Leafy Greens – Spinach, kale, and other greens are high in calcium and contain folic acid, which may help treat gum disease.
  • Yogurt – Like cheese, yogurt is high in calcium and probiotics, which may help crowd out bad bacteria in your mouth.
  • Carrots – This is another crunchy veggie that stimulates saliva production and is high in fiber.
  • Green and Black Teas – Both contain polyphenols that can help kill or suppress bacteria, preventing them from producing tooth-attacking acid.

Remember, you can’t just eat your way to better oral health. While these foods are great for your teeth, they’re not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. To schedule your next exam in Blaine, MN, call Northpointe Dental Care at 763-200-5807 today.