4 Foods That Directly Benefit Your Teeth

We all know good nutrition is important to having a healthy body, but did you know that many foods actually benefit our teeth? Dr. Harry McCool, an experienced and respected dentist operating in Lilburn, GA wants you to know which snacks are beneficial to your teeth. Our teeth need nutrients to grow and stay healthy just like the rest of our bones, so including these foods in your diet will keep your smile healthy and bright and they taste delicious, too! 

Oatmeal

Whole grain oatmeal not only helps lower your risk of gum disease and but can also improve the health of your heart. Having oatmeal as part of a healthy breakfast in the morning can help your gums stay healthy, however, most pre-packaged oatmeals include added sugar. Too much sugar helps the bacteria that live in your mouth destroy tooth enamel more quickly and efficiently. To reduce the amount of sugar in your oatmeal, cook your own plain oats and sprinkle in some berries or cinnamon for added sweetness.

Apples

Eating too many carbohydrates, starches, and sugary foods can degrade tooth enamel due to the acids bacteria produce in our mouths while breaking them down. To satisfy your sweet tooth instead, pick up an apple. Apples are rich in vitamin C, which helps reduce inflammation. Those people that are suffering from inflamed gums can benefit from having some extra vitamin C in their diets. Other vitamin C rich foods include broccoli, oranges, and green peppers.

Cheese

Cheese is rich in calcium like milk and other dairy products. Therefore, like these others, it promotes healthy, strong bones. Our bodies also use calcium to help grow our tooth enamel and replenish it as we age. Because our bodies cannot produce their own calcium — we take in this important mineral only by eating or drinking it and because our bodies use it very quickly –be sure to snack on some cheese to help ensure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet.

Fish

Even if you eat or drink calcium-rich food and beverages every day, your body cannot absorb it without vitamin D. Consuming foods rich in vitamin D, such as tuna and salmon, assists your body to absorb the calcium that it needs to build those strong teeth and bones. Another excellent source of vitamin D that is readily abundant and free: the sun! Getting plenty of fresh air and sun on your body does wonders for skin, hair, nails, teeth, and more!

Snacking on these tasty, healthy foods can not only improve your dental health, but they’re great for your entire body as well. Make sure you’re having your teeth examined regularly as part of your dental health routine by keeping in touch with Dr. McCool! Schedule an appointment online or call (770) 450-4407 today!


Contact

Harry W. McCool, DDS, PC
Lilburn, GA Dentist
dentistoflilburn.com

645 Beaver Ruin Rd NW, Suite A
Lilburn, GA 30047

New Patients (770) 450-4407

Current Patients (770) 381-9320

Hours

Monday - Thursday
8:00am - 5:00pm

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