Along with it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month. This month dental hygienists are being acknowledged and educating their patients about the latest advancements in oral health. American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA) is acknowledging the month by hosting a series of free webinars where several hygienists share what it means to be an empowered hygienist.
While having a quality dental hygienist who cares about you and your teeth’s health is vital to maintaining strong dental hygiene, it’s also important to eat the right foods. Maintaining a balanced diet is the key to your mouth’s health.
Crunchy & Leafy Veggie Foods
For healthy teeth and gums, crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery are always good. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals in maintaining the health of your mouth. They also contain lots of water that is also vital for our teeth health. Celery, in particular, is effective in cleaning teeth because of its fibrous texture.
Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are also beneficial due to their high levels of calcium, folic acid, and teeth cleaning. Folic acids are beneficial if you’re pregnant because they help prevent periodontal disease. They also contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for dental hygiene. Add carrots, broccoli, kale, and celery to your salads or a delicious smoothie for a healthy smile.
Apples
We all know the expression- an apple a day keeps the doctor away! That’s not entirely true, but apples are also essential in building a strong, healthy set of choppers. Its hard fibrous texture helps clean the teeth and increase salivation. Fresh apples help stimulate the gums and reduce cavity-causing bacteria. It also helps freshen your breath. Eat a juicy apple to keep your teeth healthy and clean.
Nuts
If you want to keep your teeth healthy and strong during National Dental Hygiene Month or anytime of the year, implementing nuts into your diet is also the way to go. Eating nuts of all types such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews are great sources of calcium and phosphorous elements. These nuts contain other nutritious vitamins and minerals such as iron, fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin B6. Try adding them to your yogurt or salad if you’re not big on eating them often by themselves.
Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking for a root veggie packed with vitamin A, sweet potatoes are just the nutritious food for you. Vitamin A is essential for your teeth health. These sweet, starchy veggies are also anti-inflammatory and help keep your immune system strong. It helps maintain the protein keratin, which is vital in the health of your tooth enamel. Roast this delicious veggie, top it off with some honey and pair it with your favorite pork chops.
Water
This may be a liquid and not a food, but it’s something we usually take for granted. I’m talking about none other than H2O, or water. A lot of us are not drinking enough of it to maintain our dental health. Drinking water with fluoride helps prevents cavities and keeps your saliva levels high. Our bodies and some of the foods mentioned earlier are made out of water. Staying hydrated is vital in keeping your teeth clean and healthy. So please don’t neglect one of God’s vital resources. Drink a healthy amount of water each day during National Dental Hygiene Month.
These are just five of the most important foods (and the world’s healthiest beverage) that you must add to your diet. There are plenty of other types of foods that are essential to having a healthy mouth during National Dental Hygiene Month or throughout the year. I compiled a list of them in this infographic download I created here. One of them I was a little surprised of it being on the list!
What interesting foods do you like to eat that are good for your teeth? Please do share in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next person you know who cares about her teeth’s health.
