5 Foods That Promote Healthy Teeth and Gums

Eating a diet that promotes healthy teeth and gums can go a long way toward preventing cavities, gingivitis and other oral health issues.

Foods high in calcium, protein and phosphorus can strengthen tooth enamel as well as help fight plaque and bacteria. Nuts like almonds or Brazil nuts are great sources of these essential nutrients.

1. Apples

Though not a replacement for brushing, chewing on apples can help stimulate saliva production and reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Apples contain malic acid, an acid which may break down plaque and whiten tooth enamel.

Additionally, apples provide a healthy source of fiber which can help remove stains and fight bad breath. Plus, they contain potassium which improves bone health as well as aids weight loss.

Finally, apples are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help guard against free radicals damaging cells and contributing to chronic illness.

They can be especially beneficial to teeth and gums due to their fibrous texture, which stimulates the gums, reduces cavity-causing bacteria and increases saliva flow. Furthermore, they contain Vitamin A which keeps teeth healthy and reduces the risk of infection.

2. Celery

Celery has long been considered a beneficial health food, and for good reason. Not only does it contain essential nutrients that support overall wellbeing, but it’s also highly beneficial for teeth.

Raw celery is an effective tooth-cleansing food due to its fibrous texture, which breaks up yellowing plaque and gets into hard-to-reach spots a toothbrush can’t reach. Furthermore, fresh raw celery stimulates saliva production which helps combat bacteria and bad breath.

Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties which may help prevent gum disease and other oral conditions such as periodontitis – the leading cause of tooth loss.

It is also rich in non-starch polysaccharides, which starve cavity-causing bacteria of sugar and thus slow their activity. Furthermore, it contains sodium cluster salts with healing properties as well as being an excellent source of vitamins C and K.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is an antioxidant-rich and delicious vegetable that offers many vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. These compounds work to keep your teeth and gums strong, healthy, and clean.

Vitamin C in broccoli helps boost collagen production to support healthy gum tissue and protect it from damage. Furthermore, this nutrient-rich food also strengthens your immune system, aiding it in fighting bacterial infections that could otherwise spread throughout your body.

Sulforaphane, an antioxidant found in broccoli, has been scientifically proven to kill certain bacteria responsible for dental and gum disease. Additionally, it helps remove airborne toxins which may be hazardous to health such as cigarette smoke and pollution.

In addition to calcium, broccoli is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin K. Both nutrients are necessary for maintaining a healthy digestive tract as well as supporting bone health and proper blood clotting.

4. Kiwis

Kiwis are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is crucial for keeping gum tissue healthy and preventing periodontal disease. Furthermore, Vitamin C aids in the absorption of calcium essential for strong teeth and bones.

Kiwi fruit are also packed with fiber and potassium, which may help regulate blood pressure levels and may reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

This nutrient-rich fruit also provides plenty of folate, an essential B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects and certain diseases like anemia. It makes for a nutritious addition to any diet.

Kiwifruit have a refreshing, sweet and tart taste that makes it ideal for adding to many recipes. Furthermore, this nutritious fruit provides beneficial antioxidants and other essential nutrients that support heart health.

5. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are an ideal snack that can help protect you against gingivitis, or gum disease. Their high calcium content helps strengthen teeth and protects your gums.

Antioxidants found in cesamin and sesamolin are two beneficial members of the lignan family that may help combat oxidative stress and shield your body against certain diseases.

Sesame seeds may help lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes, as their capacity to stimulate insulin production and enhance glucose tolerance is well known.

Sesame seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in relieving chronic pain. Furthermore, they reduce swollen and red skin caused by inflammatory conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

6. Onions

Onions are one of the most versatile vegetables you can use in your kitchen. They add delicious flavor to a range of dishes, from soups and salads to stews and sauces.

Vegetables come in many varieties and are one of the world’s most beloved vegetables. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked, making them an indispensable staple for any well-stocked pantry.

Red onions are usually found in grocery stores and can be thinly sliced for sandwiches or cold salads. Not only are they nutritious, but also provide vitamin C and B6, plus folic acid which supports tooth and gum health.

White onions are a widely beloved vegetable, offering either a fiery flavor when cooked or raw. Furthermore, they provide essential vitamins C and B6 as well as potassium.

7. Green Tea

Green tea, one of the world’s most beloved drinks, contains antioxidants which may reduce your risk for various illnesses. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties may prevent gum inflammation and shield you against cavities.

Green tea also helps to strengthen weak enamel, which is beneficial as dental caries and erosions in tooth enamel can be caused by oral bacteria that weaken or lose minerals from teeth.

That is why it is essential to brush and floss daily; if plaque isn’t removed, it will eventually harden into tartar.

Gum disease is a serious issue that can lead to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Research has indicated that drinking green tea regularly may promote periodontal health by decreasing gingivitis and bleeding when probing teeth.

8. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients that support healthy teeth and gums. Furthermore, these foods help combat bacterial acids responsible for tooth decay by neutralizing them.

Chewing fiber-rich foods like apples, celery, cucumbers and pears massaging your gums and helping clean your teeth by washing away food particles that could lead to cavities or gum disease. Furthermore, chewing increases saliva production which reduces oral acidity and neutralizes bacterial acids that encourage cavity-causing bacteria growth and thrive.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of beta-carotene, a necessary vitamin for strong teeth. Not only do they provide your daily serving of this important nutrient at breakfast or lunch, but you can enjoy it as part of any meal or snack for added benefit!

9. Shiitake Mushrooms

Mushrooms are considered an “anti-inflammatory” food and can be added to many dishes. Not only are they high in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals; but they’re also an excellent source of fiber.

Shiitake mushrooms, commonly referred to as Lentinula edodes, are the most widely grown type of mushroom worldwide and offer nutritional benefits like protein, vitamin D and copper.

They provide a healthy source of calcium, potassium and beta glucans – an innovative type of fiber which may help lower cholesterol levels. Furthermore, bananas also supply B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid.

Shiitake mushrooms contain an antimicrobial compound called lentinan, which has been scientifically proven to reduce gingivitis and inhibit bacteria that causes tooth decay. This active ingredient is what makes shiitake mushrooms so beneficial for oral health.