You’ll literally find countless blogs and articles online talking about how certain foods are great for your body and will help you do anything from lose weight to set new records in the gym. But, many of them forget about one of the most important parts of you—your mouth! March is officially National Nutrition Month, and in that spirit, here are a few tasty treats you can enjoy knowing that they are working hard to give you a healthy smile you’ll be eager to show off.
Lean Meats
What is a lean meat? This refers to items like fish, chicken, and certain cuts of pork. In addition to grilling up nicely, these meats also contain a high amount of phosphorus, which is a mineral your body needs to maintain strong and sturdy enamel. By consuming a diet that includes plenty of lean meats, you’ll make your teeth more resistant to cavities and gum disease, which can save you a lot of headaches and dental care bills over time!
Various Types of Nuts
We all need a little something to snack on from time to time, but unfortunately, most popular snack foods tend to be starchy and/or packed with sugar. Grazing on them throughout the day can do tremendous harm to your teeth, so what should you munch on if you find yourself feeling hungry between meals? Things like walnuts, almonds, and cashews are a great choice because they are low in sugar and rich in phosphorus like we touched on above. The only caveat is that you should avoid nuts that have some kind of sweet coating or flavoring on them. The varieties that are just lightly salted are your best bet.
Yogurt & Cheese
You could try a different variety of cheese or yogurt every single day of your life and never repeat yourself. In addition to having tremendous flavor, these dairy products are also very calcium-dense, so they help promote strong bones and teeth. Adding a little cheese to a meal or yogurt to a sauce is a great way to spice up a regular weeknight dish and make it better for you in the process!
Green Vegetables
Pretty much any food that is naturally green is a smart choice when it comes to your oral and overall health. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, kale, and spinach all contain various vitamins and minerals that enable the body to create and maintain strong tooth enamel, plus they fill you up without exposing you to added sugar. They can be prepared in many different ways to create innumerable delicious dishes, and they’re a great addition to any smoothie to make it even more nutritious.
Together with a consistent oral hygiene routine, a diet that contains these foods and beverages will help you easily maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile. Even better, this blog also gives you an excuse to try out new foods and drinks you might not have known existed before!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk is a family, cosmetic, and implant dentist who has been practicing in Oklahoma City for over 25 years. He knows as well as anyone how important someone’s diet is for a healthy body AND smile, so he’ll gladly share any recommendations with you to ensure you and your loved ones make the best choices at mealtime. To learn more about how to optimize your diet for your oral and overall health, give us a call today.