Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables for Teeth

"You are what you eat" - this is an old but relevant saying that holds true even for our teeth as well. So, here is the bad news - when we do not consume a nutritious, healthy diet, we are at serious risk of oral and dental problems. And the good news is that intake of certain foods like fruits and vegetables can support our teeth and gums and improve our oral health. Let's have a detailed read:

Are Fruits and Vegetables Beneficial For Our Teeth?

As we know, regular brushing, flossing, rinsing using an antimicrobial mouthwash, and visiting your dentist for routine dental checkups are all important to have a healthy smile. Besides, including fruits and vegetables in the diet can help oral health. As per the Dentist in Orange County, here is how fruits and vegetables can help:

• Apples

Chewing on a whole apple or some slices stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth. As we know, saliva offers a mouthwash-like effect. It rinses bacteria and food debris off the teeth and prevents them from sticking around in the mouth, thus reducing the risk of plaque and tartar development. Besides, the fibrous texture of apples also stimulates and supports the gums.

• Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Hence, they are excellent for our overall health. Leafy greens are rich in calcium and folic acid and promote our oral health. Calcium present in the leafy greens supports and builds our enamel, while folic acid is good for treating gum disease in pregnant women. 

• Carrots

Carrots are good Vitamin A and fiber sources and are great for our oral and overall health. Vitamin A is known to promote the salivary glands' health, stimulate saliva production, and prevent plaque accumulation and cavities. 

• Celery

Like carrots and apples, munching on celery too helps scrape bacteria and food debris away from the teeth. Besides, celery is rich in vitamins A and C, the antioxidants that are known to support our gum health.  

More Facts About Fruits and Vegetables 

• Fibrous fruits and vegetables act like toothbrushes and clean the teeth.
• Magnesium present in bananas can help in enamel restoration.  
• The Vitamin A present in carrots and other vegetables can help heal mouth sores.
• The calcium present in the dark, leafy greens is great for oral health. 
• Vitamin C in citrus fruits supports gum health. 

If you have any questions, book an appointment with our dentist in Orange County at Vida Dentistry at 25270 Marguerite Pkwy Suite C, Mission Viejo, CA 92692, or by calling us at (949) 209-8889.