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When it comes to the health and beauty of your smile, your diet plays an undeniably crucial role. Everything that you eat affects your oral and bodily wellness; so, you should put effort into making smart choices and fueling up the correct way! In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here are six foods your dentist wants you to know about that aren’t just festively green, but also indisputably great for your pearly whites!
1. Avocados
No matter how you enjoy them, avocados are a popular fruit that provides a substantial amount of health benefits. They contain approximately 20 different vitamins and minerals that benefit you in all sorts of ways, and they’re the only fruit that provides a notable amount of healthy fatty acids; plus, they’re absolutely delicious!
2. Broccoli
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous veggies (leafy greens) are undeniably good for you and provide many immune-boosting benefits, as well as high fiber and even cancer-fighting properties. They also contain all sorts of vitamins that directly benefit your smile, including vitamins B6 and B1, in addition to protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Granny Smith Apples
These apples are enjoyably tart yet still subtly sweet, and you’re rewarded with a very satisfying crunch whenever you bite into one. That said, they also contain a variety of vitamins that are essential for oral health, such as vitamin A and vitamin K, which prevent dry mouth and promote strong bone health, respectively. Not only are they delicious—but they also help to scrub away plaque on the surface of your teeth when you bite into one!
4. Celery Sticks
Celery greatly benefits your oral health in several ways; not only does it contain anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, and nutrients that protect against gingivitis, but they also contain vitamins that are necessary for cell growth, repair, and healing. Celery sticks also function as a form of dental floss, and chewing on them can help to clean your teeth while stimulating your gums.
5. Limes
Limes are a great way to add a little bit of zest to a dish or beverage, and throughout history, the fruit has had various medical uses including assisting with skin care, improving digestion, and even treating diseases such as scurvy and gout. Similar to other citrus fruits, they help to regulate the body’s absorption of sugar due to the high levels of soluble fiber present. As with any type of acidic item, you’ll want to use some caution and controlled moderation since the acidity can cause a pH imbalance inside of your mouth.
6. Green Tea
This beverage is known for being incredibly beneficial to the human body in all kinds of ways. Green tea is processed in a way that creates a different level of oxidation, unlike other types of tea such as oolong, white, or black. It’s also been known to boost metabolism and help the body detoxify. And compared to other beverages like coffee, juice, and soda, it’s far less sugary and acidic and doesn’t contain the same frequency of dark-colored particles that contribute to staining.
About the Practice
The team at Woodside Dental Care is thrilled to provide an exceptional level of care for patients and families in the Assonet, MA community. Under the skillful leadership of Dr. Derek Cornetta, the practice offers a wide range of services including various preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or by telephone for further assistance: (508) 644-5200.